1983 Johnson 75 Steering Cable Removal

[bautrey]

I just pulled this engine off of my old 1983 Deckboat. I've got the boat hanging from divots and I lowered the engine to the ground. I can't get the shaft of the steering cable out to save my life. Oddly, the output end (where the linkage to the motor attaches) doesn't move at all, but I can pull the helm end out to just about the point where you would expect it to become free. I've put vice grips on it and beat it with a hammer. I've beat the output fitting with a hammer trying to drive it into the tube. I've soaked it all in WD-40. Nothing! Won't come out. Not only am I bewildered by the fact that it won't come out, but also by the fact the the output end stays stationary while I can (with a lot of difficulty) move the helm side in and out of the tube 10- or 12- inches. They seem not to be connected to each other. Is that possible? What am I missing? Can anybody tell me how to get this thing apart?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1983 Johnson 75 Steering Cable Removal

Over the years it is not unusual for the tilt tube of the engine to accumulate dirt and debris, effectively reducing the size of the hole that the steering cable end moves through. Sounds like that's what has happened in your case. You might be able to hacksaw the cable end off and push the remaining end back out through the (other) port side of the tube. Once you get it out, you will need to clean the tube well, cleaning/scraping the inside tube wall and relube lightly with something like a white teflon grease before you remount your new cable.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1983 Johnson 75 Steering Cable Removal

when you get it out, use one of these in a drill, best tool ever for a tilt tube.

http://www.iboats.com/T_R_Marine_St...73703934--**********.450710680--view_id.40162

 

[F_R]

Re: 1983 Johnson 75 Steering Cable Removal

And learn something from this experience. Preventative maintenance would have avoided all of this. That assembly has to be lubricated on a regular schedule. Otherwise the tilt tube rusts inside and the whole thing becomes an unmoveable object.

Yes, the output end is stuck in the tube. It is normal that you can undo the nut and move the rest of the cable. You'll see why when you get it apart. Good luck.

 

[bautrey]

Re: 1983 Johnson 75 Steering Cable Removal

Thanks to all for responding. I ended up just cutting the steering shaft on the input side just to separate the motor from the boat. I haven't tried to get the rest out of the tube just yet. This all came about as a result of a long series if unfortunate events. I will not bore everyone with details, but I used to be diligent about maintenance. Now I've just pulled this boat off the bottom. Fortunately, the motor was not under water, but the boat was full and it is a mess.