Steering cable problem??

[victor26086]

Hi everyone, this is my first time posting. I was referred by my local boat parts company. I have a 1995 Larson SEi 17' fish and ski boat with a Johnson 112 hp outboard engine. I recently purchased it and Its my first boat. I have taken it to the lake 3 times and I knew the steering was hard but i didn't know it was not normal until someone pointed it out.

I have done many searches here but cant find a thread that i can understand.

I disconnected a bolt that connects on the engine to let the cable slightly loose to see if the engine would move freely with my hands and it does so im not sure what else could it be. Anything helps. Pictures would be perfect.

I don't know many of the parts names so please be descriptive if you can.

Thank you all!

 

[mrcj001]

Re: Steering cable problem??

If the engine will turn with the cable diconnected, you need to replace the steering cable. The wire cable inside the sheath has rusted and is draging on it. You can order an new steering cable right here on iBoats. Telflex is the name brand. Best to install the comlete kit, probably rack type steering.

Look under the steering wheel , if it looks like a long bar its a rack system, if not its a rotary system. The cable length is printed on your cable somewhere.

Its not that hard to replace.

http://www.iboats.com/Rack-Package-...0261405--**********.912581728--view_id.169476

 

[victor26086]

Re: Steering cable problem??

Is there a way to test to see if cable is bad? Also the steering wheel connects to a horizontal rod that is squared not a round pipe. on the part where they meet there is a small box that has 4 bolts holding down the steering wheel shaft and the horizontal square pipe. This intersection seems to have a lot of play. i tried screwing the bolts more but there is still play.

i would like to know if its the cable or the steering wheel shaft, or the square that joins the square pipe or if its all the above. is there a way to check each one?

also, is the cable that you are suggestion i replace come with the plastic surrounding? or is it a 2 piece deal. if its a two piece deal can it be cleaned or lubricated?

Thanks

 

[victor26086]

Re: Steering cable problem??

After only 2 weeks, I have learned a lot about how the steering works.

For reference here is how a boat steering works...
(MY OUTBOARD ENGINE WITH RACK STEERING)

On my boat steering consist of 5 parts..
1. Steering cable:

Description: This cable has a black jacket from steering wheel to engine. Ton the engine side it has a nut that screws to the drivers side of the engine, it connects to something called the tilt tube. The cable at the end also has a rod that is about 12- 18 inches and this part is attached to the cable and cant be removed as i thought. At the very end, it screws on to another metal tube with makes engine turn. On the steering wheel side, it has a long rectangular bar which is also part of the cable. This is called the rack. The rack has 4 bolts that attaches it to the Helm which i will discuss next.​

2. Helm:

There is 2 types of helms that I came across. One helm is for no tilt steering and the other is made for tilt steering mechanism. The helm has teeth that when rotate when the steering wheel is turned to either side. The rack also has teeth (gears) that link up with the helm. The helm that I have screws on from the back of the dash to a metal bracket on the other side. The helm also has 4 bolts that are used to attach the steering cable rack. AT the end of the helm you have to place a boot or a cover and then the steering wheel. If you have tilt steering you will need a different kind of helm, one made specifically for tilt steering mechanism. It screws on the same to the bracket, but instead of attaching a steering wheel at the end you connect it to the tilt mechanism. and then the steering wheel goes attached to the tilt mechanism.​

4. Steering mechanism:

As i mention, some boats have a tilt steering mechanism which can also be added if you don't have one. This part allow you to move your steering wheel up and down. Steering wheel is attached to one end and the helm is attached to the other.​

5. Steering wheel:

self explanatory​