New here and have steering question

[Gr8Scout]

Hi All. Lots of information here and I am overwhelmed, as I have been the past couple of days searching for web help on my steering issue. I have tried searching this forum, but find I must just ask my specific questions. All help very much appreciated.

1989 Bass Tracker with a 40 horse Mariner (yamaha) that I purchased way back then new. Been a great little pocket bass boat for me. Has a console and steering wheel. Morse steering (is steering box the right word? Where the gears are that control the cable?) . I noted steering seemed to hint at sticking last fall, now at launch this year, nothing.. stuck good.

I have disassmebled things at the steering wheel end, and removed decking to get at the cable, but can't figure out how to get the cable off the motor.

It seems what I read that it is economically better/easier to replace all the componets instead of the cable.

I can take pics and get more information tomorrow.

Sorry to be a flake newbi, but so much of the information I have found here and on the web don't make sense to me.

Thanks in advance.

Phil

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: New here and have steering question

Welcome to iboats.

Sorry it does not come out .... you must purchase an entire new boat, motor and trailer!!!














Sounded like a good idea





There should be a large nut where the cable enter's the motor in the steering tube. Loosen the nut all the way (slide it aside). Remove the linkage bar and try to pull the cable out .......... some people have actually found it necessary to loosen the motor mounts and move the entire motor to the side to get room to slide the cable out.

 

[cr2k]

Re: New here and have steering question

The part where the wheel and the cable meet is called the Helm.
It can be taken apart and greased. Use white grease.

Where the cable enters the tube on the engine is the tilt tube. A lot of cables get stuck here do to lack of cleaning and greasing regularly. You may have a tough time getting it out. You may, as mentioned, have to pull the engine to get enough room. You may even have to drive it out (do not hit the end and make it swell or you will be totally screwed). Then take a 12 gauge shotgun metal brush and attach to a rob and clean the tube out using PB Blaster or other rush cleaner. Then your tube should be cleaned and a light coat of marine grease applied to it a few times a year to prevent corrosion/rust.

 

[Gr8Scout]

Re: New here and have steering question

Thank you, guys. You have given me somewhere to start tomorrow. You know, when I bought that thing, there wasn't even an internet...

OK, box is Helm. Thanks.

Phil