Re: Solid steering... OLD!
Sounds like a conversion kit from the old wire/drum setup to single cable setup.
First, disconnect the cable's ram from the engine, and then see if the wheel will turn. It is possable that the outboard has frozen on its pivot, not the cable. This will indicate which is frozen - motor or cable.
Assuming its the cable, then disconnect the other end at the steering helm. Remove the set screw or nut and pin. Then turn the wheel (I think clockwise)and the cable will be driven out. If the wheel still does not turn at this point, then the helm is seized, not the cable.
If the helm drives out the cable (it looks like a heavy cable with a widely spaces wire wrapped around it that the teeth in the helm grip and push/pull) then the ram at the motor end may be seized and with a little heat and a wood block you may be able to drive the ram out of the tube it rides in (should be mounted to the gimbal) and clean and reassemble.
Generally speaking, there are NO user servicable parts in the helm IE, teleflex and others do not sell the internal parts. They want you to buy a new helm. But they do come apart and if its not actually broken, you might be able to clean, lube and reassemble it. If its corroded and seized, then its time for a new one.
Hope this helps.
A new cable and helm usually run $150 plus. On sale you can find them for about $100 or so. I ordered a new 13' cable that fits almost every teleflex helm ever made earlier this summer for about $70 normal price. So if you shop around, you can find good prices on steering.
