'73 Johnson 85 old cable-type steering replacement

[ezmobee]

I have a 1973 Johnson 85 outboard. It is currently on an old boat with the old cable and pulley steering. I'd really like to replace it with a more modern system. My concern is I have seen most newer outboards with modern steering have a piston that goes through the engine mount that the steering cable connects to. Mine just has a metal tab on the engine itself with a hole in it that the cables connect to. I'm not sure if the steering replacement systems I've seen (teleflex, etc.) will work with my motor. Can anyone tell me if they will work and/or recommend a specific one that will?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: '73 Johnson 85 old cable-type steering replacement

Hi ezmobee,
Pretty much all larger OMCs from the late 1960s on up have tilt-tube steering capability. The steering cable runs through the tilt tube with a tie-bar attached to the end that comes back to the steering arm on the motor.
So, you'd need the entire Teleflex type system, helm, cable and all, plus one of the steering tie-bars. These turn up on eBay fairly frequently, or can be gotten at your local Johnrude dealer.
- Scott

 

[ezmobee]

Re: '73 Johnson 85 old cable-type steering replacement

Thanks chinewalker! I'll look for one. By the way, My boat looks to be basically an aluminum version of yours.