removal of steering cable

[jaa9885]

Hello, I am working on a 1980 Beachcraft runabout with an OMC 3.0 liter inboard engine. I have accomplished removing the cable at the helm, but the rear attachment is more difficult and, frankly, I am stumped. at the rear there is a shaft with goes through the stern drive housing and attaches to the steering gear. There is very little clearance where the cable is attached to the rear of the motor. If any one could offer some advice; it would be much appreciated. Thank You, Jim Anderson

 

[kenny nunez]

The drive has to be removed before the shaft can be pulled out. I feel your pain as it can be a real PITA. Remove the bracket off the cable spool which may make it easier to access the slotted screw in the spool.

 

[jaa9885]

The drive has to be removed before the shaft can be pulled out. I feel your pain as it can be a real PITA. Remove the bracket off the cable spool which may make it easier to access the slotted screw in the spool.

hello, and thank you for the information. I have a couple of questions. When you say the drive are you talking about the entire drive: because I have removed both the upper and lower units. Also, I am not familiar with the term cable spool. Is that the metal casing at the stern end of the boat which has two halves screwed together surrounding the cable? If I do have to remove the entire drive; could you give me some advice how I should proceed taking it off. Will it require a new transom seal? Thank You, Jim Anderson

 

[Scott Danforth]

hello, and thank you for the information. I have a couple of questions. When you say the drive are you talking about the entire drive: because I have removed both the upper and lower units. Also, I am not familiar with the term cable spool. Is that the metal casing at the stern end of the boat which has two halves screwed together surrounding the cable? If I do have to remove the entire drive; could you give me some advice how I should proceed taking it off. Will it require a new transom seal? Thank You, Jim Anderson

no, the next step is to pull the motor and the intermediate housing (as a unit)

because your boat is now 40 years old, expect to find rotten motor mounts and stringers

 

[kenny nunez]

If you have the drive removed then all that is left to do is to remove the screw like the one at the helm, pull out the shaft then just un bolt the bracket mounting the cable housing.