Merc 140 Steering issue.

DennisM

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 6, 2010
Messages
129
Ok now that I got boat running, steering is really really tight still.

Is there any grease fittings for that, or is there a way to pull the steering cable down and grease it manually? Its on a 86 fw horizon 190

Dennis
 

DennisM

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 6, 2010
Messages
129
Re: Merc 140 Steering issue.

Ok from reading some more, it appears it is not a serviceable part at all.

So does anyone know what and where I can get the new cable? West marine has steering cables but they do not look anything like the one that is on the boat.

Thanks!
 

Bondo

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Staff member
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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,079
Re: Merc 140 Steering issue.

Ayuh,... Those tend to corrode inside the aluminum tube on the transom,...
Disconnect it to inspect it...
If the cable is Bad,.. replace the cable,+ helm as a kit...
 

Kainon

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 13, 2009
Messages
608
Re: Merc 140 Steering issue.

Nope, that's just a cable, you should get the one with a helm

http://www.iboats.com/Safe-T-QC-Rot...8555212--**********.225521687--view_id.169538

If you look at your cable, within about 2-3 feet from the end at the ending there should be a number stamped, you can look up that number and replace with the same cable. As they go by length and type of helm Rotary or Rack Style, you need to look under your dash to find out.. look at the pictures on the iboats store for cross-reference.

Also, disconnect the steering cable at the transom and swing the outdrive and see if it moving OK.. if it is, then you either have a bad cable or its corroded in the tube.
 

tschmidty

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 24, 2010
Messages
462
Re: Merc 140 Steering issue.

For a boat that old you'll want to replace the helm also, not much more than the cable. You'll see the kits in the same place on iboats as the cables. Rotary No Feedback seems to be the way to go but others may have differing opinions.

And yes, disconnect it and make sure the outdrive moves freely before getting too far ahead.

Sometimes you can clean up the corrosion at the end in the tube and you can grease it there (keeps out moisture as much as anything).
 

DennisM

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 6, 2010
Messages
129
Re: Merc 140 Steering issue.

How big of a job is it to replace the cable and helm?

I disconnected the outdrive and it turns nice and smooth so its not that, I have been spraying wd-40 on the section that sticks out of the coupling in the back and re greased it with marine grease but hasn't helped much at all.
 

Bondo

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71,079
Re: Merc 140 Steering issue.

I have been spraying wd-40 on the section that sticks out of the coupling in the back and re greased it with marine grease but hasn't helped much at all.

Ayuh,... Pull the cable end Out of the aluminum tube mounted to the transom plate,...
Then try it...
Just Cleaning the inside of the Tube might fix ya up...
Then worry about ordering a replacement Kit...

The job depends on the access allowed in your hull....
 

DennisM

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 6, 2010
Messages
129
Re: Merc 140 Steering issue.

Thanks Bondo

I am going to remove the engine side today and see if I cant loosen it up.

If not, does anyone know of a link to the manual for the steering on this? Trying to figure out exactly what cable I need to get but can not determine the type that is in the boat now.

Dennis
 

DennisM

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 6, 2010
Messages
129
Re: Merc 140 Steering issue.

Ok got cable and helm assmbly out of the boat.

There is a section that is worn away, looks like it was right behind the controls and exposed the twisted metal shell, I would imagine this is where moisture got in and tightened the cable up.

The helm assembly looks good, and since both Iboats and WM are out of stock on the 15 foot kits, which I guess I need since the cable was stamped with a +15 on it for feet, is there a way to replace just the cable in the helm? Without it it I am stuck..

Dennis
 

Bondo

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Messages
71,079
Re: Merc 140 Steering issue.

Ayuh,... There'll be a name or model on the helm,...
If it's compatable with an available cable,....
Sure, Go ahead...
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,343
Re: Merc 140 Steering issue.

This shows it quite nicely(Thanks Don)
Check the one in the next post
 

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Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,343
Re: Merc 140 Steering issue.

Try this one
Frozen20steering.jpg

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Techbk/97/97hs5.pdf
 

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  • Frozen%20steering.jpg
    Frozen%20steering.jpg
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