When did they stop making pulley and cable steering

[nashwinter123]

I was wondering when they stoped using the pulley cable steering on outboards. I found a 25 hp johnson that i think is in the mid 70's or in the 80s and it currently has a tiller handle and i was going to convert it but i don't want any stupid pully system. I need to know if it will take teleflex. It's a far way away and i don't want to waste the gas and time if it's not right.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: When did they stop making pulley and cable steering

Actually, you can still buy many components for the old wire-rope type steering systems. What I have found to be unavailable now, are steering wheel/drum assemblies for them.


There is a company call "Ezy Glide" that makes an adaptor for use on older motors with a teleflex style push/pull cable. It is called a "Universal Engine Connection Kit" and is rated for engines up to 40hp. While Ezy Glide says it is for port side cable runs only, its easy to reverse the tube, so that the threaded portion faces the starboard side. You just remove the nuts on the tube and them remove the grease fitting. That will allow you to slide the tube out and flip it. Once that is done reinstall the parts in the same manner as taken apart.

See the following link for the product with the part number EGLPK & EGLSWK.


http://www.ezyglide.com/

 

[Grain Boat]

Re: When did they stop making pulley and cable steering

Been there Nash,
I replaced my cable & pulley system on my '63 Evinrude. You can read about it here http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=102668
I can't answer your question about when, but it seems that cable & pulley systems are functionally inferior unless you are trying to preserve originality. You are going to be spending a few bucks to keep that 18HP going, but to you, it might be worth it. Don't forget to tell us what you eventually did.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: When did they stop making pulley and cable steering

the ez guide connection is the easiest conversion.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: When did they stop making pulley and cable steering

That motor looks like early 1960's to me. Its no newer than 1976. There was a change in the exhaust housing in 1977 that this motor doesn't have. Johnson's were also green from 1967-76. Whereas this one is white. Of course, it could be repainted. I'd get the model number.

 

[F_R]

Re: When did they stop making pulley and cable steering

Those "stupid" cable and pulley systems work better on those old motors better than the modern push-pull cables. The key is getting them set up correctly with the right geometry. Too bad they quit making the spirol-grooved helms.

The push-pull system will give you severely restricted steering arc when used with old motors, and usually, intereference with tilting.

Just my 2c.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: When did they stop making pulley and cable steering

F_R, i agree, properly maintained, the cable pulley system was hard to beat. the ez guide system interfers less with tilting, and any other system. the bracket is suppose to be mounted under the motors transom clamps. i just could not do it. because of a step in my transom.

 

[nashwinter123]

Re: When did they stop making pulley and cable steering

Thanks but i want to know if this motor looks like it is new enough to have the teleflex steering imput area already on it. I think it's a 77 or 78. Thank you.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: When did they stop making pulley and cable steering

it does not have the tilt tube to accept the teleflex cable, that is what all this discussion is about, you need the adapter kit. that is a 60's early 70's. what is the model number off the transom bracket, or freeze plug.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: When did they stop making pulley and cable steering

Yes you can connect it to Teleflex steering.

It doesn't have the mid-section of a 1977-78. Know what you are buying before you make the transaction. Actually, the 1977 Johnson sales brochure doesn't even show a 20 hp, but I know they did produce one. The 1977-84 Johnson 20 hp is a bit of a mystery motor and may not come up in the parts list at your local dealer.

 

[jonesg]

Re: When did they stop making pulley and cable steering

you just bought that off craigslist, I was just looking at the ad .!

 

[nashwinter123]

Re: When did they stop making pulley and cable steering

Almost bought it but decided it's to much work.
Thank you