Steering problem - not turning to port

[rudeafrican]

Hi folks,<br /><br />I run twin 40 hp rudes with a cable steering setup. When I turn to starboard, the motors turn +-45 degrees, which is normal. When turning to port however, the motors only turn about 20 degrees. It seems as if the push/pull arm attached to the motor should still be able to move another 1.5 to 2 inches.<br />When I loosen the big nut holding the cable end to the motor and disconnect the steering bracket, there is no play in the push/pull arm. <br /><br />Is there any adjustment I can make to shorten this arm? Any other suggestions?<br /><br />Thanks guys.

 

[Bear]

Re: Steering problem - not turning to port

You have to move the steering cable. There is a "thing" holding the cable near the transom. Release it and move the cable 1.5-2" to port. I think you understand when you see it.

 

[Forktail]

Re: Steering problem - not turning to port

I'm not sure exactly what brand of steering system you have, but you may want to try a couple of things.<br /><br />Disconnect the steering from both outboards. Try turning the ouboards from left to right by hand. Observe travel. Next, center your disconnected steering cable (to where the outboards would run straight), and rotate the steering wheel left to right. Observe steering wheel and cable travel. If everything is equal, begin connecting the steering of one outboard back up, and then the next, observing turning travel. This might isolate the problem, whether it be in the cable or the outboard.<br /><br />FWIW, I had a 40 Yamaha that always turned one way farther than the other, no matter what I did. But the direction of prop rotation and thrust compensated for the short turn and actually made the boat turn equally in either direction under power. Almost as if it were designed that way.<br /><br />Some steering arms on the outboard will have optional holes, but other than that, I'm not sure there is an adjustment.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Bear]

Re: Steering problem - not turning to port

This is a picture of the "thing" where you have to release and move the steering cable: <br /><br />

 

[rudeafrican]

Re: Steering problem - not turning to port

Thanx bear and forky,<br /><br />I've disconnected the steering from the 2 motors and they turn smoothly and equal distance in both directions. It seems that the shaft at the end of the steering cable that slides into the "sleeve" on the motor is to long, preventing it from being pulled back all the way.<br /><br />The outer housing of the cable screws onto the "sleeve" so I do not have this attachment you pic'd above. I have moved the "sleeve" using the 2 adjusting nuts on either side of the motor as far as possible and this made a slight difference. <br /><br />Just to clarify what I'm talking about when I say "sleeve", This is the tube that the motor hinges on when tilted up. The steering push/pull shaft also runs through this sleeve.<br /><br />Thanx

 

[Forktail]

Re: Steering problem - not turning to port

I'm with ya. <br /><br />There should be a "link" that ties the end of the cable shaft (that goes through the outboard tube) to the steering arm on the outboard. If this link is too long or too short, it would cause more travel in one direction. I've never seen one of these that is adjustable, but I believe you can get them in different lengths.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Steering problem - not turning to port

Forktail is correct on the length of the link arm and the adjustment holes on the steeering arm. Sounds like a shorter link arm is the answer. Maybe just an inch or so shorter! Has it always been this way or did it start doing this recently??

 

[ob]

Re: Steering problem - not turning to port

rudeafrican,Rickdb1boat asked important question in troubleshooting process.Did steering problem recently surface or was it always this way?

 

[rudeafrican]

Re: Steering problem - not turning to port

Thanks guys, as far as I can remember, it is only a recent happening. But then maybe I did not notice it before. I'm taking it on the water this weekend to feel how she handles and then would be able to say for sure. Here by us, it is now early summer with beautiful sunshine, hot days and cool nights, just what you need to haul a few for the pan! I'll let you know on Monday how she handled. I know the theory to remove the cable is relatively simple but the cable is in a tight fit under the gunwale so it will turn into a major job. Let's hope it's not required. Being 11:30 pm SA time, I'm hitting the sack. See ya'll Monday.