Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: stuck steering
Posted by renoduckman on 06/24/10 - 10:26 AM
#1
I have a big problem im affraid. I can not get the steerign cable out of the tilt tube on my Merc. I might have been given bad advcie but i oiled it and started to drive it out. It moved for awhile and now is totally stuck. I have the feeling this is a disaster in the makeing. When i got the end of the cable allmost flush with the tube it stopped moveing. I thought it might get eaiser as the tube started to come out of the outher side but it did not. joe
Posted by Tharsheblows on 06/24/10 - 11:59 AM
#2
Don't panic Reno. It just takes perseverance. Use plenty or penetrating oil like P B Blaster or Liquid Wrench or if you can find it Kroil/Aerokroil. When removing things that might have corrosion always move back a little and wash out with the penetrating oil to remove the build up. Try bumping the shaft back in and liberaly wash with oil then try to continue out. you may have to repeat several times. The built up corrosion acts like a wedge.
Posted by Bake on 06/24/10 - 12:04 PM
#3
I think now you are left with driving it on out. you may be able to cut the cable with a saws all and try to drive it back the other way. another option is to apply a little heat to the tube. very carefully with a small torch or a little propane bottle with a small torch attached. you may want to consider hanging the motor up and pulling it away from the boat as you are going to have to get pretty tuff with it now.
I hope someone else has a magic cure but I know of none.
Posted by stevebaz on 06/24/10 - 12:10 PM
#4
Have you disconnected the cable from the other end? The cable has to have someplace to go.
Posted by bmw90w on 06/24/10 - 2:44 PM
#5
I tried cutting the cable with a sawzall, and it was a mess! I wouldn't try it. i just replaced my steering due to the same problem. My cable was stuck. You can't try to force it with the wheel, or you will strip gears inside the helm. I had to bang mine out once it was even with the tilt tube. If your cable is frozen, chances are youll have to replace it anyways. It is a better deal to replace the whole system since the cable can be around 120 or so. I replaced the whole nfb system for 159. If your replaceing the cable, you won't hurt anything driving it out.
Edited by bmw90w on 06/24/10 - 2:45 PM
Posted by Bake on 06/24/10 - 2:49 PM
#6
Have you disconnected the cable from the other end?
good question right there. I assumed much when reading the problem. Good trouble shooting regardless of the answer to the question
Posted by MW on 06/24/10 - 6:23 PM
#7
On my 15', I had an issue with replacing the tilt tube and steering cable. The only way I could fit it (tilt tube) past the transom cut out ear was to insert the tilt tube in through one side of the motor (port side I think), and slide the steering arm through the starbord side of the motor meeting the two in the middle, and hardly having enough room to slide the tilt tube over the steering arm and re-connecting everything. I put a "Steersman" lubricating nut on the new steering cable w/ a grease fitting for longer cable life, or you could use a "Cable Buddy" made by "Davis".
Posted by renoduckman on 06/24/10 - 8:43 PM
#8
It looks like im going to have to replace the tilt tube. IM tired of beating on it and all. My concern was the same as yours. On my old 16 is there enough clearance to install the new tilt tube without takeing the engine off? It looks like it but not sure. And wondering how hard it is to do? Any advice thanks Joe
Posted by bmw90w on 06/25/10 - 1:32 AM
#9
Joe before you replace the tilt tube, try banging out the cable. A tilt tube is a much bigger job than the cable. I use 1/2 inch stock on the cable when it was flush with the tube. Even hen you put the new cable in, it takes a soft tab to get it through as it is a tight fit. Make sure you completely loosen the big nut on the starboard side on the tube, and knock away. Even if the cable is frozen as mine was, it will come through. that is a heck of a lot easier than replacing your tube trust me!
Posted by MW on 06/25/10 - 3:19 AM
#10
I would say that the tilt tube has probably got some pretty bad corrosion inside as well, it still has to be cleaned out with a wire brush and sand paper (I used a Furnace brush on a drill to clean out my tilt tube). I would do the whole job and be done with it, a tilt tube is an inexpensive part, I just cleaned mine out to save time, it would have been easier to just replace it for $8. The tilt tube can get pretty "Mashed" while trying to get out the cable with a "Lump" hammer. Ya might have to bite the bullet and replace the tilt tube.
Edited by MW on 06/25/10 - 3:20 AM
Posted by theo on 06/25/10 - 8:17 AM
#11
I'm with Matt - replace the tilt tube also. It's not that hard, especially if your motor has a lifting eye. If not you can use a tow strap or similar to take the weight of the motor while you change the tube.
Posted by bottomfish on 06/25/10 - 9:32 AM
#12
I'm with Matt and Ted. Just lift the motor and replace the tube. If you get after it it should only take about 30 minutes to do and the new or used tube will be clean and greased and with proper care this will be the last time you have to do it.
Posted by renoduckman on 06/25/10 - 11:08 AM
#13
Thanks, im going to replace the tilt tube. I must have bent the endo of the steering cable and really jammed it inside. I cant find out where to get the new stainless tilt tube? Any help thanks joe
Posted by theo on 06/26/10 - 7:36 AM
#15
Binkie, what motors does that fit? If reno doesn't want it I'd like to buy it if it'll fit my motor - 1995 Merc 60 hp 2-stroke (not Bigfoot). I've had to free up my steering a couple of times now. Probably time for new parts one of these days. :)
Posted by renoduckman on 06/26/10 - 8:21 AM
#16
Hi, yes i will buy the tube from you if we know that it fits my engine. Joe
Posted by theo on 06/26/10 - 9:52 AM
#17
Doesn't look like it's quite the right unit for my outboard anyway. Good luck Joe. Seems to me like you're on the right track.
BTW, what steering system are you going to use?
Posted by renoduckman on 06/26/10 - 10:49 AM
#18
Hi, i just received the teleflex rotary system ssc13717 that i ordered before the tilt tube problem came up. It looks exactly like what is in my boat now. The original system had been replaced years ago before i got it.
Posted by renoduckman on 07/13/10 - 11:47 AM
#19
Well i got the tilt tube replaced. Not hard at all to change on my Whaler with the old Merc. Now i have more of a delay as my new teleflex steering was damaged in shipment! But the tilt tube problem was solved. Joe
Posted by theo on 07/13/10 - 6:12 PM
#20
Thanks for letting us know the outcome Joe.
Posted by renoduckman on 07/19/10 - 2:08 PM
#21
Finally got the boat back up and running. Have not got a chance yet to go out and test it. But finished the replacement of the Teleflex steering. Just for the record on my 16 with the 1988 80 hp Merc there was clearence to slide the new tilt tube in without removing the engine from the boat. And there was also enough room to get the steering rod/cable in without removing the engine. I know that question comes up a lot so just wanted to mention. Thanks for all the help Joe