Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

[ShawnQ]

I'm not getting much help in my other thread, so I figured I'd throw this one out here...<br /><br />Does the 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering on a 95 Nissan 90hp?<br /><br />The guy I bought it from said that I need to replace the tilt tube to get the steering working...It doesn't appear that the tilt tube has anything to do with steering..<br /><br />However, the ends of the tilt tube are threaded, any idea what goes on the threads?<br /><br />thanks<br />Shawn

 

[jamiei]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

Hi shawn<br /><br />The tilt tube usually has a lot to do with steering. On most outboards, the steering cable runs through the tilt tube with the mounting hole exiting on the port side. An arm from the center of the outboard connects to the tab end of the steering cable. If the tilt tube is damaged, then you'll have to replace it most likely so the steering cable can smoothly slide through it.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

Jamie..<br /><br />thanks for the reply.<br /><br />it appears to me that the steering cable just attaches to the motor itself, just above the tilt tube. There is a little arm that is connected to the engine, and then the cable connects to that...never touching the tilt tube. (This is also how it is on my 1972 OMC engine).<br /><br />However, the tilt tube does have a rod going thru it, and there are threads on each end...so I'm kind of confused as to what goes where, etc..<br />I wish I could see a 90hp nissan, installed on a boat, that would help..<br /><br />Thanks<br />Shawn

 

[DJ]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

ShawnQ,<br /><br />Just about every modern outboard connects the same way, through the tilt tube. You don't have to look at aa Nissan to see how it should hook up. Go look at any new outboard boat.<br /><br />It seems to as if someone adapted a transom mount steering system to your engine.<br /><br />I suspect they did this because:<br /><br />1. It was there on the boat.<br /><br />2. The tilt tube "froze up" and the they didn't want to mess with it.<br /><br />The rod going through the tube is probably stuck in there. There are threads on both ends because that makes the engine capable of taking steering input from port or starboard.<br /><br />Typically, The cable, that goes through the tube' has a threaded coupler that threads on to one end of the tube.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

The steering cable is secured by either a transom clamp or the tilt tube. With the cable secured and the end of the rod connected to the engine, the rod moves in and out when the steering wheel is turned to move the engine right or left. Maybe part of an old cable is corroded into the tilt tube, making the tube unusable. In that condition, a prior owner might have mounted a clamp on the transom to hold the cable (in place of the tilt tube).<br /><br />just guessing....

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

The tilt tube also has to do with TILT itself, though, right?<br /><br />So, if the tilt tube is frozen..you can't steer, OR tilt? It appears that this is the main pivot point for the engine (I could be wrong).<br /><br />Also, on my boat, the cable's TUBE is attached to the transom, and the cable itself just attaches to an eye on the engine (the OMC), when you turn left, the cable pulls on the eye, when you turn right, it pushes it...<br /><br />Would this work on the nissan?<br /><br />I'm trying hard to figure this out...I just spent $500 on this engine, and I'm about ready to just give it up and go spend 15k on a new boat/motor..and send the current one seaworthy. (I think I'm just upset because I haven't been fishing in a while, hehe)<br /><br />Thanks<br />Shawn

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

Oh, and from the looks of it, there is no way a cable could go thru this rod that is in the tube. Unless a cable connects to one end, and then something else connects to the other end...<br /><br />It will not move at all when beat on the end with a hammer, I will say that...<br /><br />Shawn

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

The tilt tube is like a hollow bolt. The tube/bolt is the pivot point for tilting the engine. The tube is also intended to be a convenient place to mount the steering cable. So the tilt tube serves two independent purposes. If the tube has something jammed inside it, it won't work for the steering application -- but will still serve as the bolt on which the motor pivots when it is tilted. Depending on what configuration you have (or want), you can mount a steering cable tube in a transom clamp, and hook up your steering that way. (Look in a marine catalogue for a steering hookup using a transom clamp and steering tube.) The motor will still tilt as it is supposed to with the old clogged tube left in place.

 

[SCO]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

Hello Shawn,<br /><br />Agree with everyone that the steering rod is stuck in the tilt tube. There may be no easy way to get a penetrant in there, the zerts dont go inside the tube on my omc. Mine got stuck one day, and I had a he double hockey sticks time getting it out. Yours apparently has been stuck for years. Maybe if you take the motor off, then the tube off, you can submerge the whole thing in a penetrant for a week, then tap out the steering rod. When tapping out the rod, take it slow because if you tap too hard, the end of the steering rod will bell out. I used a wooden dowell to prevent this. Or, you can just cut to the chase and get a new tube and steering apparatus. Good luck.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

Ditto on SCO's comment. If the steering cable shaft is sticking out of the tube some you can quickly tell if it is going to move or start mushrooming. If it starts to move with tapping and oil and mushrooms a little in the process you can cut off the mushroomed end with a hacksaw or rotary cutting wheel after it starts moving in order to get it to pass through the tube. If it is already flush with the tube end it probably won't go through the tube. It doesn't look like you have anything to lose by oiling it and wailing away at it to see if it moves.<br /><br />I have often wondered if, on an isolated part like this (as opposed to an internal engine casting) one could drip (with gloves and eye protection) some muriatic acid into the tube at the crack and see if it would seep in and dissove the corrosion. Aluminum oxides and carbonate are soluble in acid (more so than the aluminum itself). Small quantities (drops) probably wouldn't hurt the casting and might loosen it up. Has anybody tried this? I have no experience with this so don't blame me if it doesn't work.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

Well guys, I went and looked at the steering on my boat. The boat that the Nissan is going on. The steering is a Teleflex system that is indeed a TRANSOM CLAMP setup...and the cable just attaches to the little ear that comes off of the engine itself. That means that the tilt tube is obsolete for steering purposes...glad to get that out of the way.<br /><br />Now, is it common for the tilt tube to lock up and prevent the engine from tilting as well? The engine is ALREADY REMOVED from the boat, and it is sitting on a pallet. I cannot pivot the transom plate at all, to simulate a tilting engine. Could it be locked up and need to be replaced?<br /><br />If so, How do I remove the TILT TUBE itself, and not just the steering ram.<br /><br />Thanks guys<br />Shawn

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

I'd hate to mount the engine to the transom and find out that it wont tilt, that would be a pain!<br /><br />The steering problem is solved...now help me find out if I will be able to tilt the engine.<br /><br />Shawn

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

I think the first thing I would do is block the motor in such a way that the mounting clamp is free. After figuring out how to release the lock, try moving the the bracket in and out of the tilt position. You can use a two by six board or something similar inserted where the transom would be to give you some leverage to move the bracket.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

Would the bracket be able to move VERY freely, or is it going to be slightly tight?<br /><br />Basically, will I have to push a good bit to get the transom bracket to move, or should it just swing freely like a pendalum? (Remember, I'm just trying to simulate that the engine is tilting, to make sure the tilt tube isn't locked)<br /><br />Thanks again guys...feels a little better at least knowing I can steer it now!<br /><br />Shawn

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

Hi Shawn<br />From the looks of your picture, it may be pretty stiff to move. Try shooting some WD-40 on the tube where the large nuts are and let it sit a bit. Try moving it. If it doesn't move, try loosening the tilt tube nuts(Big Ones) and see if that helps. Worked on my little 28 Johnson that sat for a few years. After shooting it with oil and loosening the nuts, it was freely moving up and down.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

It's probably not going to be loose -- like flopping around loose. If you can move it with relative ease, you are OK. Use some marine grease at the appropriate points, and work the bracket back and forth. When you actually use it to tilt the motor, the weight of the motor and the leverage will make the difference. You probably won't notice any resistance at that point.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

If this is locked (planning ahead), where do I go from there if I can't get a penetrating oil to loosen it? The engine was running/operating fine 3 months ago (MAX). The guy wanted more power, so he went with a 140. The tilt and everything worked then...could it freeze up that quickly (it's been stored in-doors).<br /><br />I will bolt a 2x4 to the transom plate and see if I can move it or not...I'll let you know how it goes.<br /><br />Thanks again guys, you've cooled my head a good bit (I was about to drop it off the dock, hehe)<br /><br />Shawn

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

likely won't be a problem just from sitting, as long as it was out of the weather. Actually, the most problems I've had was salt water corrosion. If you use the tilt mechanism often, once you get your boat in the water, you will likely have few problems.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

If you still have the power tilt and trim hooked up, you will not be able to tilt it. You will be pulling against the pressure in the t/t unit. Even George W can't exert that kind of pressure.<br /><br />Why not try hooking up the controls and putting some power to it via the tilt and trim switch. You can't hurt anything by trying it.<br />It may just work the way it is.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Does a 'tilt tube' have anything to do with steering?

Roscoe...<br /><br />The tilt and trim is still connected, good thing I didn't go and try to pry the damn thing!<br /><br />I guess I will just go ahead and try to hook up the tilt and trim...and see if it works (they hydraulic cylinders all look clean and corrosion free).<br /><br />What is the best way to track down the wiring that goes to the tilt and trim? I can't see any wires attaching to the cylinders themselves, just hydraulic lines. I guess the best way would be to look at the controls and try to determine from there? Or use a test light and see what gets power when I push the buttons..<br /><br />Thanks<br />Shawn