Alpha 1 gen 2 steering gets hard at full left

[mlewis0113]

I have a 1997 Glastron GS186. I purchased it last July only to find out it is a bit of a Franken-boat. I've had to fix numerous issues that th previous owner either didn't do correctly, or not at all. The boat originally had a Volvo 4.3 I/O but currently has a Jasper reman Mercruiser 4.3(with no serial number) and an Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrive.

The issue I have is with the engine running, regardless of if it is on the water, when I turn full left, the steering binds and is a fight to get it back into power steering. Full right it goes to the stop and I still have assist. I have verified that the cable is free when it is disconnected and I can go lock to lock on the helm. Also, with the steering arm completely disconnected, I can easily turn the outdrive both ways as well.

The only thin I noticed that was odd, at full left with the cable disconnected, the end for the pin is partially in the steering tube. I'm slowly learning about boats as I work on this unexpected project and am at a loss here. Thanks for your input,

Mike

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... Depending on which P/S actuator you've got, check for a couple of wrench flats on the tube, if there, they have to be perfectly vertical to align the valving,....

 

[mlewis0113]

Bondo,

Thanks for your reply. I do have those flats as I used them to reinstall the cable after I removed it for inspection. I know they are roughly vertical, as that is the only way I could get a wrench on then but I'm not sure exactly how vertical they are. I will check that and report back. It may be a few days, as it's currently snowing here in Central IL.

 

[mlewis0113]

Alright, I finally got a chance to get back in the boat and check this out. I set the flats perfectly vertical and tried again. The first time I went full left, it seemed okay. Once I went full right and then back to full left, it bound again. I went to look at the flats and found the tube had turned again. I watched the cable as I went lock to lock and noticed that it seemed to move in the nut even though it's tight.

I'm thinking maybe the cable is worn where the nut is swedged on and allowing the cable to move, thus turning the tube. I've attached a photo below. Could this be my issue? I'm assuming if so, I'll need a new cable.

 

[mlewis0113]

Any ideas from anyone?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... If the cable won't tighten into place, on the tube, Ya, take it apart more, in the direction of replacin' the cable,.....
Hopefully, you'll See the issue when ya get there,....

 

[mlewis0113]

Ayuh,.... If the cable won't tighten into place, on the tube, Ya, take it apart more, in the direction of replacin' the cable,.....
Hopefully, you'll See the issue when ya get there,....

Okay. Thank you, I figured as much just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. I do appreciate it.

Mike

 

[mlewis0113]

Update to hopefully help someone else:

I ordered a replacement cable. It arrived today and I installed it. The steering continued to lock up on full left. I disconnected everything and couldn't find binding anywhere. Until I noticed the heads of my exhaust coupler hose clamps were right against my steering cable nut. See photo:


I loosened the clamps and rotated them 90⁰ :



And, wouldn't you know? No more binding at full left, and the flats stay vertical!

Apparently whoever installed this engine didn't properly orient those clamps. As the steer assist would pivot, at full lock left, the cable nut would hit those clamps, slightly turn the guide tube/cable nut and bind.

I feel pretty dumb and I'm out $150 for a cable that wasn't 100% necessary. However, the issue with the nut swedge still needed addressed and I feel better knowing I shouldn't have to worry about a steering cable while I own this boat.

Bondo, thank you for your insight. I hope this can potentially help someone else.

Mike

 

[ieatdrt]

Any ideas from anyone?

Did you ever figure this out? I have the same issue, binds at full left lock. No issues throughout the rest of the range, including full right. I'm going to tear into it this week/weekend.

Sorry, the forum didn't load the latest replies until after I posted this. I give that a shot!

 

[mlewis0113]

Did you ever figure this out? I have the same issue, binds at full left lock. No issues throughout the rest of the range, including full right. I'm going to tear into it this week/weekend.

Sorry, the forum didn't load the latest replies until after I posted this. I give that a shot!

Let me know what you find, and I'll try to help the best I can.