1971 Mercury 1350 Steering Issue (16' Glastron)

[gidds]

I have a 1350 on a 16' Glastron. Due to schedule I have nut used at all this year. Got time to take it out and my steering is frozen. I applied grease thru the fill nozzle at the rear tube (did not work). Wheel turns about 1"-2" in each direction. Took connection off of motor. Motor moves fine. Still not working. From what I remember being told is that is the original steering.

There is a cylinder behind the steering wheel that the steering wheel shaft goes thru.

Any ideas on:
1) What type of steering I have
2) Anything I can try to free it up
3) What a replacement would be

Thanks in advance.......I have searched but I am not sure I know if I am reading correct info since I dont know what type of steering I have......

 

[Orbit Express]

Re: 1971 Mercury 1350 Steering Issue (16' Glastron)

I think your biggest problem is "nut" using it enough. Forget the grease, since it's frozen, let it sit in the sun, it may defrost.

Seriously, your steering cable could be frayed or rusty, just replace it.

 

[gidds]

Re: 1971 Mercury 1350 Steering Issue (16' Glastron)

Thank you for the reply but.......

Can I just get the cable or do I replace the whole system (cable, cylinder at steering wheel, cylinder at motor)?

How do I determine what cable I need?

Thanks in advance again....

 

[Cogburn]

Re: 1971 Mercury 1350 Steering Issue (16' Glastron)

The cable may have the brand name, part #, and length imprinted in the sheath about a foot or so from the motor.


If it is old I'd replace it-a cable for some off brand may be as much as a replacement rack steering system-IF you find one.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1971 Mercury 1350 Steering Issue (16' Glastron)

Gidds, The steering cables usually corrode into the motor tilt tube. The rack and pinon end of it, at the steering wheel is usually fine. Remove the big nut on the tilt tube and then turn the wheel, to isolate the problem.

If it is corroded into the tilt tube, see if you can rock the steering rod with a pipe wrench. If it moves at all, start lubricating it with some penetrating oil. Spend an hour or so working it with the oil, clean rags and the pipe wrench. Eventually it will free up. Clean it well and relube it with marine grease.

 

[gidds]

Re: 1971 Mercury 1350 Steering Issue (16' Glastron) Update!!! Help!!!! Please!!!!

Re: 1971 Mercury 1350 Steering Issue (16' Glastron) Update!!! Help!!!! Please!!!!

I have soaked, oiled, penetrating oiled, vised, etc.....cannot get the steering unit to budge.....the problem is in the cable or at the rear of the boat. The wheel, engine and rack cylinder move fine.

Removed my steering unit.....wheel, rack tube, cable, etc. from the wheel to the engine. I will try to describe what I have compared to what I have seen online......I have a rack tube (the one with the gears that attaches to the steering wheel shaft) with a cable assembly that runs to the rear of the boat. The cable enters a cylinder that bolts to the rear of the boat. On the other end of the cylinder, a lubricated rod comes out and bolts to the engine. Turn the wheel and lubricated rod moves the engine left or right (you probably knew this and I know I am not using boating terms). The cylinder that clamps / bolts to the rear is about an inch in diameter and has a grease fitting on it.

The difference from the ones I am seeing online seem to have a rod that passes the engine and has a linking rod that goes backwards to attach to the engine. I was going to purchase a Teleflex Back Rack kit, but I done know if it will work.......

Any help would be appreciated.....

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1971 Mercury 1350 Steering Issue (16' Glastron)

Your post has confused me. I recommend you post a picture and circle the part that won't move.

A '71 Merc should have the tilt tube suitable for the steering cable end to be inserted and attached. Some folks chose to use an external tube to house the steering cable end.

 

[blue90HP50]

Re: 1971 Mercury 1350 Steering Issue (16' Glastron)

Ignore my last post. Sorry