connecting new steering cable to motor...

[73 Dolphin]

I have a force 125 motor and just installed a new complete NFB teleflex steering system to the boat. The OLD cable was rack and pinion and where it connected ( thru the splash well ) there was a spring loaded end that allowed you to snap on to the tiller ball mount and the sleeve sprung back holding it secure. Very nice .

The new cable does not have this handy sprung connector. Instead there's just a hole.
The question is which is the best way to connect the cable. I don't suppose that the standard teleflex cable unscrews so I can fit the adapter. I'm sure that would be too easy.

I did see a kit at the local boat place that was basically two bolts and a metal clip. Seemed a bit basic and not bearing/lube point. Also it was just shy of $50 which seemed a bit excessive for maybe $5 worth of parts.

Any advice would be well appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[73 Dolphin]

Re: connecting new steering cable to motor...

When I say tiller , I mean where the cable connects to rear of motor. Also I'm more than happy to throw $50 at something that is well engineered. Is there a choice? Also I apologize if this is a basic part - if so I do not the correct name of it to locate in a search!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: connecting new steering cable to motor...

Is that the Force in your avatar? It looks like an older white Force and it also looks to be like a thee cylinder engine but it is difficult to tell.

If I am correct, your standard Teleflex cable for these engines should have a threaded collar at the engine end. The cable end is passed through the engine clamp tube and the collar threaded onto the end.

Then, you need an adapter called a steering link, (assemblypart # 5H094), which consists of a 1/2 inch stainless bar bent on the cable end and threaded 3/8 X 24. The engine end has some sort of swivel--it can be ball and socket, part #523273 or just a sleeve and bolt. There are a couple of other associated parts too. This steering link bolts into the cable end.

There are two holes in the engine snout: One outside the pan and one inside. The one inside gives further engine movement and tighter turns. The ball and socket it passed into the hole and the nut retains it. You will probably need to pay Mercury your first born son to buy this assembly. Periodically they do come up on ebay and I would not be surprised if iboat stores sell them.

However, It sounds like you have a splashwell mounted steering tube. If your tube is mounted to the splashwell or the transom, then you can simply ues a long 3/8 bolt with a nut on each side of the steering hole in the engine. This is not the most desirable arrangement.

You can take about a 3 inch length of 3/4 square aluminum and drill one end 3/8. Drill the opposite end 3/8 at 90 degrees to the first then slot it to accept the cable end.

Again, use a long bolt to secure this "swivel" to the engine snout and secure the bolt with two nuts to allow the swivel free play.
Use a 3/8 bolt and locking nut to secure the cable into it. NOW, you have a piece which will allow two directions of freedom while maintaining positive steering.

 

[73 Dolphin]

Re: connecting new steering cable to motor...

Thanks for the advice. I should be able to knock something up at work in stainless. Also there's a local bearing place that has everything you could ever want.

Just wasn't sure if there was anything available as standard. I still have the threaded ball receiver from the end of old cable.Perhaps I will just make a sleeve over the new teleflex end with locking bolt and a threaded protrusion to take the original.

Just to clarify - the end of a standard telexflex cable is not screwed on is it? If so it would be a lot easier. Look solidly joined to me so I doubt it but then i am often wrong esp when it comes to boats !!


I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: connecting new steering cable to motor...

NO! They are crimped onto the cable permanently. Because the cable is spiral wound spring steel, you can twist the end a bit, but that's it.

 

[73 Dolphin]

Re: connecting new steering cable to motor...

Thanks for the warning. Without it I may just have tried !!! LOL