1977 Johnson Seahorse 175 Steering Cable

[texrgd]

Hey folks. I have a 77' Johnson 175 on a Glastron V192 and the steering cable is done. How do I determine what kind of cable is needed to replace? I've attached a couple of photos. The cable is 13' long. Also any tips on replacing would be appreciated. You folks helped a bunch a year or so back with some engine repair. The boat's been great. The kids are eating it up! Thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse 175 Steering Cable

personally i would replace the complete system, with a rotary nofeedback system. much more user friendly. you probably are going to have to dismount the motor to get the old cable out, and the new cable in. those shafts do not bend, and it does not look like you have room.

http://www.iboats.com/Complete_Boat...8731187--**********.416982440--view_id.246975

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse 175 Steering Cable

The cable has a part number and a length stamped about a foot from the end of the cable. A local marine store may be able to decode the cable number for you and order a replacement. On any boat over 15 years old, the steering cables are frequently discontinued from production, so don't be suprised if you can't get a replacment cable. If this happens, the same store can sell you a new cable with a new helm gear as a complete kit. These are pretty easy to install and are only slightly more expensive than the cable by itself. You'll reuse your current steering wheel. On any engine over 150 hp, most boat manufacturers today will recommend the dual cable steering or the more expensive hydraulic system for safe operation.

 

[texrgd]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse 175 Steering Cable

personally i would replace the complete system, with a rotary nofeedback system. much more user friendly. you probably are going to have to dismount the motor to get the old cable out, and the new cable in. those shafts do not bend, and it does not look like you have room.

http://www.iboats.com/Complete_Boat...8731187--**********.416982440--view_id.246975

tashasdaddy,
Thanks. I'll look into a replacement system. This is probably the way I'll go. Any hints on accurately measuring the cable while it's installed. I did a rough-out and came up with 13' but I don?t want to be short. Also, any "poor-boy" tips on dismounting the motor. I'm talking shade tree mechanic methods. Finally, what should I expect disconnecting the existing cable from the motor - just loosen the nut at the motor (in the picture) and slide it out? Also, is what I've got now a "rotary" system or "rack & pinion" system? Probably should know but I can't figure it out. I guess my question is "what do I tell the place where I'm going to buy the replacement unit"?

 

[texrgd]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse 175 Steering Cable

The cable has a part number and a length stamped about a foot from the end of the cable. A local marine store may be able to decode the cable number for you and order a replacement. On any boat over 15 years old, the steering cables are frequently discontinued from production, so don't be suprised if you can't get a replacment cable. If this happens, the same store can sell you a new cable with a new helm gear as a complete kit. These are pretty easy to install and are only slightly more expensive than the cable by itself. You'll reuse your current steering wheel. On any engine over 150 hp, most boat manufacturers today will recommend the dual cable steering or the more expensive hydraulic system for safe operation.

EMDSAPMGR,
Thanks and the info is appreciated. I looked the cable over pretty well and had my kid get in there and see what his younger eyes could make out and we came up dry. TISHASDADDY recommended replacing the entire unit as well and this is probably heading we will take. Any tips on what to look for and/or look out for? Do you know of any ?how-to? sites on completing this procedure or any other learning tools I should take a look at?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse 175 Steering Cable

You will find two basic replacement steering systems: the rotary and the rack and pinion type. Either will work well. When deciding on which to get, you may ultimately decide based on how much space you have under the dash for either of these two systems. A rack system needs a lot of room horizontally and it may not leave much clearance for the cable to bend properly under the dash. Tight cable bends require exess steering effort. The rotary system is a little more compact, so the space available may determine which you need to get.

 

[texrgd]

Re: 1977 Johnson Seahorse 175 Steering Cable

You will find two basic replacement steering systems: the rotary and the rack and pinion type. Either will work well. When deciding on which to get, you may ultimately decide based on how much space you have under the dash for either of these two systems. A rack system needs a lot of room horizontally and it may not leave much clearance for the cable to bend properly under the dash. Tight cable bends require exess steering effort. The rotary system is a little more compact, so the space available may determine which you need to get.

EMDSAPMGR,
Got it. Thanks. I'm going to hit it this weekend. I picked up a rack system to replace the one that is in the rig now. I'll let you know how it comes out.
Thanks again for all the info.
Best,