Steering Wheel Removal

[Madhammer]

Hello, this is my first Iboats post and I'm notsure this is the best of the forums, but here goes.

I have a 1992 Skeeter F/S 125. I recently had a rebuilt engine put on the boat. Unfortunately, when I took deliver, the steering wheel was not in the "straight position" when the motor is. I did not notice until I got home This is not critical, but I would prefer the wheel be aligned with the motor.

This happened once before with my old motor and I saw that technician pop the wheel and put it back rather quickly. But, I was across the parking lot and did not see what he did, exactly.

I assume this is a fairly simple thing to do, but was wondering what I need to do to pop the steering wheel off without breaking it - which would be my luck these days.

Thanks for your help!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Steering Wheel Removal

new wheels are not that easy to center, they have a key way that has to line up. it is the installation of the cable into the helm.

 

[Madhammer]

Re: Steering Wheel Removal

Hmm. I just want to use the existing wheel, just center it.

When I watched the tech do it a few years ago, he popped if off, rotated it, and put it back on. Took him like 3 minutes.

So if I take it off, are you saying I may not be able to get it back on?

Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Steering Wheel Removal

Many wheels are keyed -- meaning they only go on one way. You pop the center cap, remove the nut, and pull the wheel off the shaft but that's all you can do if the shaft is keyed. You simply cannot slide the wheel on in another position. If the shaft is not keyed, then yes, it can moved just one spline or five if necessary. The way the wheel is adjusted on a splined unit is to remove the cable from the helm. Then experiment with turning the wheel to pull the cable in. You will find the spot where the wheel is straight when the engine is straight but it's sort of trial and error.

 

[Madhammer]

Re: Steering Wheel Removal

OK. Thanks. I was hoping to not mess with the cable. Perhaps I will live with this until I have the boat in for another reason.

I can do a few things, but I would hate to make a mess of things.

When the tech did this a few years ago, I did not think he did much more than loosen the wheel, reposition it, then tighten it. It is possible he did more.

I tried loosening the wheel last night. I go the nut and washer off, but the wheel did not budge. I have read other posts of people rapping hte nut with a hammer, but I could not bring myself to do it for worry of damaging something.

thanks for the advice

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Steering Wheel Removal

What was the old outboard, and what is the new one?
It may be as simple as just having the wrong link-rod for your current motor.

I installed a used single-cable steering system, that someone gave me, to replace a cable & pulley system. I had no manual or instructions and when I was done I had the same problem as you....wheel was not centred when motor was straight ahead.
The link-rod was too long.

 

[Madhammer]

Re: Steering Wheel Removal

I went from a 90 h.p. Nissan to a 115 h.p. Evinrude V-4.

I think they changed the link rod, so I'm not sure that's it. But, it is worth looking more closely and asking them. Thanks