outboard steering stuck

[rbigg]

I've got an old 115hp Evinrude o/b on a 17' cc.

When I'm getting the boat ready to go after sitting around not used in the off season, I've found my steering stuck. Some part of the engine mechanism is doing it. I free it up by working with it and going back and forth.

Obviously, a way to prevent this is to go out every couple weeks and run the wheel lock to lock.

Any other preventative tips?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: outboard steering stuck

you can pull shaft out of the steering tube, and use a white grease,( i used marine wheel bearing grease) not a guarantee. how old is the system, you can replace the cable the old on e should have a number on it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: outboard steering stuck

Disconnect the steering link at the engine and then see if the engine turns freely. If it does, the cable end is tight in the tilt tube. Loosen the nut at the tilt tube and pull out the cable. Clean the tilt tube and the cable end. Relubricate and reassemble. If the engine doesn't turn freely, its the pivot on the engine that's the problem. The grease fittings should get a shot or two of grease.

 

[Walker]

Re: outboard steering stuck

I use a 12ga shotgun cleaning brush on one section of cleaning rod. Chuck it up in my drill and go to work on the tilt tube with it. Keep it wet with wd40 or some other lube. After you get it clean look into a "Steersman" nut for the tilt tube. It has a grease zirk that allow you to keep the tilt tube/steering cable rod lubed. Mine in 16 years old and free as when new.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: outboard steering stuck

As silvertip suggests, disconnect the steering from the cable to find out where the binding is and go from there. If it's the cable, the best thing is to replace it.

 

[rbigg]

Re: outboard steering stuck

My problem is in the tube. Thanks for all the info. I'll get one of those Steersman nuts with zerk. That should do it.

 

[ob]

Re: outboard steering stuck

Walker,does the dealer carry these nuts you speak of or is it an aftermarket item?I want one for my little rig.

 

[Walker]

Re: outboard steering stuck

ob, Academy might have them. They used to have them in both aluminum and stainless. I know West Marine carries them but they are from a different manufacturer and are called something else.
Online here http://www.steersman.com/
Its real simple installation if you have threads sticking out on your tilt tube. If not, remove the tilt tube nut and replace with the steersman.

 

[ob]

Re: outboard steering stuck

Thanks Walker! You're a charm.I like what I see on the link.Mine should install easily.

One question: Do you turn your steering rod all the way in before pumping the grease gun and watch for rod movement to prevent over greasing and causing hydraulic lock,or is that even an issue?

 

[Walker]

Re: outboard steering stuck

Just grease it in any position. I only give mine a pump or 2 a couple times a year.

 

[ob]

Re: outboard steering stuck

10-4 .Thanks again.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: outboard steering stuck

Greasing in the extended position is bad if you get carried away with the grease gun. If you grease in the retracted position, much harder to screw up.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: outboard steering stuck

Hey OB. They have similar on iboats site...

Seachoice Steering Guards

 

[Silvertip]

Re: outboard steering stuck

Grease in the retracted position. When you go the other way is carries the grease with the cable, but it should be forced into the tube anyway.

 

[ob]

Re: outboard steering stuck

Thanks Rick! Whoduh thunk?The Seachoice stainless looks like the same animal.And Jim,I'll consider having it in the retracted position when greasing.May even consider a thinner grade of grease than the standard multi purpose as well.