Mercruiser 228 replaced outdrive now steering frozen

[rich1295]

I had the over revved Mercruiser 228, which locked up the lower unit of my outdrive. That problem has been fixed by installing a outdrive - well new to me - used one that purchased and appears in good shape. Installation went pretty good - difficult getting it in the last 1/2 inch, but it works fine. Shifts well and appears to be running well both forward and reverse. Only problem - maybe unrelated - My steering is locked and I cannot get it to turn either direction. Any chance this is related? When I launched the boat last spring the steering was stuck and it finally broke free and was fine. Boat hasn't been used for only 8 weeks since then.

 

[aitchisond]

Re: Mercruiser 228 replaced outdrive now steering frozen

If you have cable steering, most likely a rusty cable. Remove cable from stern drive and see how it moves.

Good luck.


Dave

 

[rich1295]

Re: Mercruiser 228 replaced outdrive now steering frozen

Yup, looks like it's the steering cable assembly. It looks like I may have to remove the whole steering assembly under the dash to get the cable out. Is that normal? Any shortcuts in removing the old cable?

 

[aitchisond]

Re: Mercruiser 228 replaced outdrive now steering frozen

Not that tough a job. It's been a while since I changed mine - now you know how I guessed the issue. Have the new one before you take mechanism apart behind steering wheel so you can reassemble while you remember how it came apart. With mine, toughest part was getting it back where it ran along starboard side of boat. Obviously was installed before seats, cowlings etc. were installed. Bit of patience and a bit of blue air and it worked.

Good luck.

Dave

 

[rich1295]

Re: Mercruiser 228 replaced outdrive now steering frozen

At the helm
Do I just keep unscrewing nut D from the steering unit? (see photo 2) I assume I do not need to remove the cover from the aluminum box that appears to be the steering mechanism.

At the stern
I have removed the cotter pin from the end of the cable. When I turn nut A the whole thing including nut B moves. Do I keep a wrench on nut B to hold it while loosening nut A? Is it advisable to remove the whole unit by removing Bolt C (See photo 1)

Sorry for the simple questions, but pictures really help.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Mercruiser 228 replaced outdrive now steering frozen

The rack assembly is part of the cable and is not serviceable. 4 bolts hold the rack to the helm.cable and rack are a unit .
http://www.iboats.com/Teleflex-SSC-...96810911--**********.840255442--view_id.40302

 

[rich1295]

Re: Mercruiser 228 replaced outdrive now steering frozen

Thanks,
Now to the other end.
I can barely turn the nut A (counter clockwise - left lucy) (See photo attached) but it barely moves and turns the threaded tube and nut B. Do I keep forcing it? - it feels like something may break. I removed bolt C and it did nothing so I put it back in place. I thought that it might let me remove the whole assembly. What is the black thing that bolt C connects to?

 

[rich1295]

Re: Mercruiser 228 replaced outdrive now steering frozen

Success! Finally un-threaded and removed the stern end of the steering cable. Unfortunately this is a 1979 Sea Ray cuddy cabin 22. The cable threads through a hole in the aft starboard corner of the boat. There is no chance of negotiating the shaft end of the cable through that hole. I think I will have to put a new cable in through a new route and just tuck the old one out of the way - securing it with cable ties. I am holding out some hope that the old cable will suddenly loosen up with enough penetrating oil now that I have it sticking up and gravity on my side. I'll give it a day or two, but from what I see in the forum it's not likely to be successful. Thanks to everyone for their help. I'll make an update if successful.

For anyone having similar problems removing the cable - my breakthrough was when I put another wrench and locked nut B from any movement - then more pressure on nut A was successful.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Mercruiser 228 replaced outdrive now steering frozen

I usually tie a line on any cables that are run as your was. That way you have a pull line to reinsert the cable.