Steering cable to long, switch to port side?

[ali'i]

My teleflex steering cable is about 18" too long, and is looped about half way to the motor, thinking this might be why steering is stiff, so wondering if its possible to, instead of routing it down the starboard (right) side of the boat to the motor, can it be changed to run down the port (left)side. Steering wheel is on the right, but the extra distance routing it down the left side would allow it be straighter and not looped, but can the linkage be reversed on the motor, or must the cable attatch on the right side of the motor, which right now is a 1981, 70 Johnson, but switching to same era 50-55 OMC, Thanks,

 

[limitout]

Re: Steering cable to long, switch to port side?

just return it and get the correct length cable, they make them in 1 foot lengths from 8ft all the way up to 20ft I think

don't be looping or reversing the steering because looping or excessive bends make the steering stiff and reversing the direction is unsafe since you have to turn in the opposite direction you want to steer.

steering problems can kill you and others so get the correct length cable and be safe

 

[ali'i]

Re: Steering cable to long, switch to port side?

Guess you are right, having to turn the steering wheel the other way didn't occur to me, but its probably 20 years old, so can't return it, guess I'll look into buying a new one, is it just a matter of unhooking the old one from the steering wheel, and hooking up the new one, or is it more complicated than that? Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering cable to long, switch to port side?

Guess you are right, having to turn the steering wheel the other way didn't occur to me, but its probably 20 years old, so can't return it, guess I'll look into buying a new one, is it just a matter of unhooking the old one from the steering wheel, and hooking up the new one, or is it more complicated than that? Thanks

Ayuh,... That depends on the helm unit,... It might be antique/ Outdated,....

Besides, the Helm/ Cable Kits are darn near the same price as Just the cable,...

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Steering cable to long, switch to port side?

It ought to be no issue as far as a new cable fitting the engine. The helm might be a different story, depending on what you currently have. On the newer Teleflex rack type helms the rack and cable come as a unit, so on those you'd end up with a new rack and cable (that's IF the new rack fits the existing unit). If you have an older helm that's not compatible with any of the newer units you'll end up with a brand new helm, and the existing steering wheel may or may not fit the new helm. You're just going to have to start digging and see what you've got.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Steering cable to long, switch to port side?

However: before you do anything else, disconnect the cable at the engine and see if the cable itself is stiff or if the engine kingpin is stiff.