Steering problem with 1986 Johnson V4

[kgilly22]

I'm fairly new to boating and recently bought a 1986 Ranger Commanche with a 120hp Johnson V4. Took it out yesterday for the first time and noticed the boat always pulled to the right at all speeds. When turning the steering wheel to the right it was as easy as could be. But when turning to the left it was very hard to turn. I almost had to use two hands to turn to the left. Any suggestions?

 

[DUKE1]

Re: Steering problem with 1986 Johnson V4

If you haven't already...I would strongly suggest a manual for you engine...they will really save your bacon.

If the rest of your steering system is in good shape and the cables (I'm assuming you have mechanical steering vs hydraulic) are in good shape...check your engine mounted trim tab.

If your looking at your boat from the back, the trim tab is that vertical piece of metal that you see in front of your prop. That is there to be adjusted to counter the torque that your boat exhibits to the right. The manual will assist with this, but there is a 1/2 inch nut in the middle of it that can be undone and you can then move it left or right till you find your motor's "sweet spot". Before any adjustment is made make a mark on it so you know where you started from, then adjust it and give it another run. If you don't have some other mechanical issue with the boat...I would think this would help.

Good Luck,
Duke1

PS- Keep reading this site...Everyone's very helpful and you'll learn a lot of interesting stuff about boats.

 

[kgilly22]

Re: Steering problem with 1986 Johnson V4

Thanks for the advice. My manual is on the way and I found the trim tab you were talking about. I also noticed two grease fittings for the steering that upon greasing seemed like they had not been greased in a while. Hopefully the trim tab will solve my problem. Im pretty sure my cable is ok. The motor turns freely both ways when out of the water. Thanks again for the help.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Steering problem with 1986 Johnson V4

Standing behind the motor look at the tab,if the boat steers easy to the right then adjust the tab to the right.I know it sounds opposite but thats the way you adjust it.Move it just a few degrees at a time and test run..

 

[F_R]

Re: Steering problem with 1986 Johnson V4

That's what the tab is for, however, it only has limited effect. What you have is called torque steer and is worse on some boats than others. On some it is very bad. You should see some of the V-6s. No-feedback or hydraulic steering will lock it wherever it was when you stopped turning the wheel, but won't make it any easier to turn. Well, it CAN, but that's another topic.