74 Bayliner Steering Issues

[Chuckyd973]

I have a 1974 bayliner Saratoga chevy 350 inboard omc outdrive . During my last trip out on the water the steering got very stiff going right then locked up while on the water. Now it will not steer in any direction. Its a cable system. Any help diagnosing the problem would be greatly appriciated.

Chuck

 

[cr2k]

Re: 74 Bayliner Steering Issues

Could be the cable the helm or the steering gears in the drive.

Unhook the cable from the drive if the helm turns it is in the drive.
Then (leaving the cable unhooked) unhook it from the helm. If the wheel turns it is probably the cable. At this point you should be able to push/pull the cable if it is free.

Being a 74 it is likely the cable if it has never been changed. And no you can't lube it.

 

[Chuckyd973]

Re: 74 Bayliner Steering Issues

Ok heres what it was....I checke dthe cables and all was well. I pulled the outdrive, and opened it up to find all teh internals in perfect working order. I reinstalled the outdrive. and centered the steering. Here is what I find. Steering works perfect when the trim is down. When the trim is up the gears from the cable steering want sto miss the gears on the back of the worm gear. Problem with this is it cause the steering to be completely off center once it starts missing gears. OK OK i know the easiest thing to do is only steer when the trim is down but in shollow water this is impossible. Anyone have any ideas? I was thinking of replacing the gears to see if they are just worn and are not touching when teh trim is up due to this. Any Suggestions would be greatly appriciated.

 

[rjwoodrome]

Re: 74 Bayliner Steering Issues

I had the same problem with the omc 120hp, I used to have. try not to adjust the trim so far up. I'm guessing your using the tilt instead of the trim switch. if you continue to adjust the tilt too far up while under way your gimble gear will wear out quick..

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: 74 Bayliner Steering Issues

Steering works perfect when the trim is down. When the trim is up

you don't have trim

you have what OMC called Hi-Tilt.

Your outdrive was designed to be operated ONLY in the full down position. The hi-tilt system is only for trailering. Do not run the engine with the drive tilted.

If you are in water that shallow, install a kicker bracket and small outboard or buy a different boat.

Operation of your drive in the tilted position will destroy the outdrive in fairly short order. First, your ball gears will wear at a 45 degree angle. Next, that 45 degree angle will push the upper gearcase horizontal shaft into the rear bearing while you cruise, causing it to spin in its bore, destroying the upper housing.