steering cables

[rmg]

Is rotary steering the same as rack & pinon? Just got a boat that has been sitting for three years and the steering seems to be locked up. How do I figure out if I should replace the cables?

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: steering cables

Rotary is not the same as rack and pinion. What kind of motor do you have and what make of steering; like Teleflex, etc. I sure someone on this site can help you. It(shaft at end) is probably frozen at he motor. The cable will have to be taken off and freed up.

 

[FletchersMarine]

Re: steering cables

Mumblerone is right, hopefully you wont have to pull the engine to get it off, but usually that is the case. is the rod bent on the other side of the engine? (like its been stepped on?) If not try this, unhook the link arm from the steering cable. have someone pull hard left on the steering wheel (not too hard, some fiberglass consoles cant take too much) put a 2x4 on the end of the steering cable (left side of engine)and smack it with a sledge hammer (a straight shot or youll bend it, you dont wanna bend it) several times, if it dont budge, its shot, must be replaced.<br />rack and pinion has a long bar under the dash hooked to the steering cable, rotary usually has a round housing

 

[rudeafrican]

Re: steering cables

Rmg,<br /><br />Another thing you should check once the swing arm has been disconnected is if the engine turns freely and smoothly by hand. I did mine last night (had the same problem) and found the push/pull shaft was gummed up in the "sleeve". Before whacking it like fletcher suggested, spray some penetrating oil into the sleeve and let it stand for a few minutes. The grease nipples on the sleeve only lubricates the tilt hinge and not the push/pull shaft. A fact I only found out the hard way! Mine was so badly stuck I had to pull the sleeve off, a major job as the engine hinges on the sleeve when tilted up. Use good supports to support the engine if you attempt this.