Hydraulic steering on vintage big twins?

[outlawfox13]

I was just wondering if anyone has seen hydraulic steering on older big twins? I have a hydraulic system I am taking off another motor as it is being used with cable steer. I plan to build a mount to the transom as a tilt tube, and then fabricate a tab for the hydraulic steering to bolt to. I dont think it will be too hard, I just have to make sure when the motor tilts it doesnt bind on the hydraulic system. If you have seen this or done this please post pictures, or any ideas or comments.

Mike

 

[F_R]

Re: Hydraulic steering on vintage big twins?

First question: Do you truly have hydraulic steering, or do you have push-pull cable steering? Hydraulic steering uses hoses between the helm and a cylinder at the engine.

Anyhoo, you will be disappointed with either system on an old Big Twin. The steering arc will be severely limited and/or there will be interference with tilting.

Yes, I have seen and rigged a bazilion of them. It can be done, just not "right". Matter of fact, I an a retiree from Morse Controls, Hynautic Hydraulic Steering Division. If you truly have one of those, let me know and I can tell you more.

 

[oldybutagoody]

Re: Hydraulic steering on vintage big twins?

That's what I love about this sight. Were else can you go and get free EXPERT advise like this? I was thinking about using push pull cable steering instead of the old cable and pulley style on a Michalak AF4 with an 18hp Fastwin but now I think I'll heed your warnings about limited steering arc and tilting interference and go the old fashioned route.

 

[outlawfox13]

Re: Hydraulic steering on vintage big twins?

F_R yes it is hydraulic, it is a Sea Star system there is a picture below. I have access to a fabrication shop so if I can figure out how to essentially build a tilt tube, and attach it to my 62 Lark IV than I should be good to go. I was just wondering if anyone has done it so I could see pictures. Dont mind the push pull in the picture, that will be attached to the motor after I remove the hydraulics.<br>
<br>

 

[F_R]

Re: Hydraulic steering on vintage big twins?

OK, so go for it. But you are entering uncharted waters, so nobody is going to have any prior experience.

Teleflex was our arch rival, so I don't have any specs on it but I would guess the stroke of that cylinder is nine inches. Measure the stroke needed to steer hardover to hardover on your Big twin and see how well it is going to match. Yeah, yeah, I know, you can fabricate your attachment so it is closer to the pivot point, which will lessen the stroke. But that is where you start getting into interference problems when tilting. The first time you whack an underwater object and the motor comes flying up, something is going to bust.

But you are the designer here, so maybe you can come up with a solution.

Good luck.

 

[outlawfox13]

Re: Hydraulic steering on vintage big twins?

Thanks F_R, yea i figured i was goin it alone on this one, but i think i can come up with a bracket to make it work real well. First i need to get it off the 88 sea ray outboard. It is already proving to be a PITA!! So i sprayed it down with trans acetone mix.