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I got my boat (15' sport 50 hp Johnson) home and it is better than anticipated. I will post pics when I figure out how to shrink them. The only concern I have is that when I turn the wheel it is very tight. The wheel will turn but it is a bit of a struggle. Any pointers would be nice, please keep in mind my last boat was tiller driven.

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Be careful not to turn the wheel too hard. There are teeth in the helm and they can break.

To isolate whether it is the steering cable or the engine, disconnect the steering rod from the engine.

Report back.

See the FAQ for working with photos. It lists free software (Irfan) to get as well as the file size, photo size and naming rules.

I recommend you purchase a service manual for your motor.

Email me (email address in my profile) if you need some detailed computer assistance.

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As Phil said your going to have to isolate the problem. If it is in the cable or helm, grease may help but it's probably rusted and one or the other or both need replacing (cable probably). If it is on the motor end check the bushing that (not sure of the name) push/pull end of the cable goes through clean/rusted. Check grease fittings on the pivot shaft located just below the belly pan of the motor could be 2, one at top and one at bottom.

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Probably steering cable, the Sport 15 get's a LOT of "Backsplash" due to it's low profile on the water, like "Phil" said "Don't force it" until you "Isolate" the problem.

*'76 Sport 15'-50 HP Johnson.

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Thanks all for replying. I did remove the cable from the motor and it seems as if there is a lot of grease. Could to much grease be causing it? If it were rusted would the rust be obvious?

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It could be rusted or kinked, further up inside of the cable jacket where you can't see. Does the engine pivot freely when the cable was removed ? Does the steering wheel spin easily w/the steering cable disconnected ? Does the steering cable go through the "TILT TUBE" where the cable hook's up to the engine ? or is their a "Stand Off" bracket on the stern where the cable connect's to the engine ? If the steering cable goes through the "Tilt Tube" on the engine, it should be well greased. A "Steersman" nut ($20 marine store) will extend the "Cable" life by keeping the grease "IN" and the water "OUT". It simply screws on the end of the steering cable where the "Wiper Brush" (which does nothing) exit's the "Tilt tube" (if you have through tilt tube steering, and not the "stand off" bracket).

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You didn't state whether it is a new sterring cable or the old one. If it is the old one and you've disconnected the calbe from the boat and it is still tight, turn the wheel so the cable is extented fully. Then wipe all of the grease off and then celan any dried residue from the shaft that may have hardened over a period of time. Then lightly regrease with a non stickly teflon type lube.

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Thank you all for replying. When I removed the cable the wheel turned freely as I believe it should. I then turned the motor by hand and copious amounts of grease came out. When the grease came out it was almost sandy and griitty. I then cleaned everything I could and reattached the cable and the wheel turned more like it should, not as easy when not hooked to the motor but I am assuming it will be heavier with the weight of the motor. I did regrease.

Rick

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With everything hooked back up, the helm should spin freely with two fingers.

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Rick -

Did you just unbolt the arm or did you pull the cable out of the tube?

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I did not pull the cable from the tube. It does turn more easily but not with two fingers.

Rick