Turning 125 Force VERY difficult

[trinka]

I have a 1985 Bayliner Capri with a 125 Force OB. Purchased two years ago. It is VERY difficult to turn to the left. This is true whether the boat is moving or not. Wondering if this is a common problem, and if anyone has any ideas/similar experiences.<br /><br />THanks

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Turning 125 Force VERY difficult

No, it is not common. It should turn easy from side to side. When the prop is turning the torque affect this, but while not moving it should be easy.<br /><br />Sounds as if you have a problem. Disconnect the the steering and check if it's different. This way you'll know if it is the motor turning swivel or the steering cable.<br /><br />Turning to one side the cable is pushing - turning the opposite side the cable is pulling. If the cable is not in perfectly good order it may become difficult in one or both directions.

 

[cinder1995]

Re: Turning 125 Force VERY difficult

I have a '91 Capri with a 120 Force. And it's been difficult to steer as long as i've had it. I've disconnected the steering numerous times. Grease the rack all the time. I've come to the conclusion that some boats are just hard to steer.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Turning 125 Force VERY difficult

Depending on what you expect, that could be true. If you compare a relatively large outboard, controlled by musclepower via a cable, to your car with powersteering, the o/b is harder. No doubt.<br /><br />Especially when the motor is pushing hard, the torque puts stress on all parts and steering becomes even harder. Once planing it normally is fair. Still more muscle needed than the car, though.

 

[sharkcat]

Re: Turning 125 Force VERY difficult

Your steering cable/helm could be partially seized or just worn out.Why not put hydraulic steering in the boat.That would solve all your problems & lighten your hip pocket too!!

 

[KCSmith0708]

Re: Turning 125 Force VERY difficult

I have a 88 Force 125HP on a 19' Capri, turns fine left and right. How long have you had this problem? Have you ever added grease to the cable?<br /><br />I recently greased the steering cable by fully retracting the cable into the cable sleeve First then injecting grease into the nipple. If the cable is even or extended out when you add grease, too much can build up inside and cause Hydrolic Lock when you try to retract the cable (turning left). Just a thought.

 

[cinder1995]

Re: Turning 125 Force VERY difficult

Did you use a cable-luber,or does your cable actually have a nipple for greasing?

 

[KCSmith0708]

Re: Turning 125 Force VERY difficult

There is a grease fitting (nipple) on the tilt tube.

 

[radsrh]

Re: Turning 125 Force VERY difficult

The grease fitting on the tilt tube is for the tilt tube bearings, some stearing cables have a grease fitting on the left side of the cable (it will be on the wipper nut where the cable comes out of the tilt tube). If you do not have the fitting on the nut you have to take off the nut on the right side where the cable enters the tilt tube back the cable out as far as you can grease it and turn it side to side, pull the cable out and repeat a couple of times.