stiff steering

[maxair]

Ok, yesterday I posted for advice on stiff steering and said it was hydraulic. I'm embarassed to say that that was wrong. Its not hydraulic, but then, I'm not real sure what it is either. (have never owned a boat with anything but tiller steering). I can tell you that there's a round drum affair at the end of the steering column, and then a rubber hose about 3/4 inch in diameter going from it to a metal fitting attached to the transom. From here there's a piston looking affair that goes to the motor.<br /><br />I'd post a pic, but I'm not sure how I do that.<br /><br />My apologies in advance for being such a bumbling newbie.<br /><br />Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Max

 

[JoeW]

Re: stiff steering

Hmmm..Sure sounds like a hydrolic system. Are you sure that there's only one hose? Steering systems are typically cable or hydrolic (hydrolic's a bit more expensive though). Usually there are either two cables or two hydrolic hoses. <br /><br />This is surely a case where a picture would be worth 1000 words. Do you own a digital camera or a scanner?

 

[JasonJ]

Re: stiff steering

Sounds like a rotary cable helm. The cable wraps around a gear like thing in the drum, and turning the wheel pushes or pulls the cable. Often when the steering is stiff it is because the cable is no longer well lubed. You can either replace it or attempt to lube the cable. There are some people on here who have succesfully lubed the cable, but since it cannot be disassembled, it is very difficult.

 

[Mark.24]

Re: stiff steering

I'm agreeing with Jason. It does sound like a rotary cable helm and you can dismantle it but you'll require a 2nd pair of hands because its a real pain in the a88.<br /><br />If you take a peak under your helm you'll probably see a near 5inch circular unit with the 3/4 inch tube entering at the top and a 5/8ths tube at the bottom. The bottom tube acts as an extension pipe for the cable<br /><br />If your going to attempt it, I found a length of string with a knot tied in the end helps to pull the nuts back into their position. Also ensure that you steering wheel cannot move.<br /><br />Have FUN

 

[tailgunner]

Re: stiff steering

I agree with Jason and Mark. I went through a similar problem recently. Tried lubing the cable several times with no change. I finally just replaced the cable. I was told that these things are good for about 3 years around here. <br /><br />The cable was around $100, I don't remember exactly. I have a Teleflex.<br /><br />It made a huge difference.

 

[Tinkerer2]

Re: stiff steering

Not sure if this applies to your setup, but if the piston affair at the motor end is a rod that slides inside a tube, make sure the rod hasn't been bent. If the steering is stiff in only part of its travel it could be where the rod is bent and binds as it enters the tube. Doesn't take much distortion to do it. Check it with a straightedge, not just by eye. Also make sure that end is fully lubed and free.

 

[akriverrat]

Re: stiff steering

first thing to do is diconnect moter from cable and see which is stiff. if steering is still stiff does steering ram go through motor tilt tube? very often hardend grease annd corrosion build up inside. it can take some creativity to remove the ram from the tilt tube if it is really bad. but untill you do you won't know where the problem is. my cables are 18 years old and doing fine mostly used in salt water.

 

[maxair]

Re: stiff steering

Thanks to all for your advice on the stiff steering. I do believe I'm dealing with a rotary cable helm. sounds like lubing it will be a bit of a pain, so if its seized, think I'll opt for replacement.<br /><br />One more question... I'm running a 01 johnson 25hp 2stroke on an 18ft cedar strip - a lot of my fishing is trolling slowly. Will that motor tolerate a day of trolling, or should I think about adding a trolling plate? <br /><br />Would appreciate anyone's thoughts on this.<br /><br />Max

 

[JasonJ]

Re: stiff steering

If it were me I would get a small kicker, like a 5 or 7 horse or something like that. 2 strokes can deal will being trolled, but you can end up with more deposits in the rings and plugs having fouling problems. I tried a plate on my 125 horse Merc, and it was not a positive experience, so I have an old 5 horse kicker to mount up. You can always get a plate, try it, and if it works, great, and if not, you can Ebay the plate. Good luck...

 

[Bondo]

Re: stiff steering

maxair,<br />Replacement Is the Best route to take....<br />For Trolling,<br />I think your 25hp will do a Fine job.....<br />On My boat, IT, would be the Kicker........ <br /><br />An Old Troller's Trick,<br />If You want to Slow your Speed, Dirty-Up your Hull.....<br />A 5gal. plastic pail, hung off Each side of the boat, Will get you Below 1mph......