Frozen steering 70 HP Yamaha

[KeyWestBoater]

I have not used my boat since August. I live in Florida and keep the boat in the garage. In fact a few months ago I pumped in some grease at the fitting on the engine. Today I was in the boat and tried to turn the wheel and it moves a bit but the engine doesn't move. The engine and boat are 2008. What can I do?

Thanks,
KWB

 

[Bondo]

Re: Frozen steering 70 HP Yamaha

Ayuh,... It's probably corroded where the cable goes through the tilt tube...

Take it apart, clean it, 'n Lube it...

 

[KeyWestBoater]

Re: Frozen steering 70 HP Yamaha

Bondo,

Could you give me a few details on how to remove the cable from the engine? I see a big nut on the engine where the cable goes in. Is the only place where it's held on? How can I get some rest penetrent like PB blaster inside? I think it must be seized in the engine tube (if that's the right name). I've never had one of these apart before (couldn't you tell??). :redface:

Many thanks,
KWB

 

[KeyWestBoater]

Re: Frozen steering 70 HP Yamaha

Anyone??

 

[Bondo]

Re: Frozen steering 70 HP Yamaha

Could you give me a few details on how to remove the cable from the engine? I see a big nut on the engine where the cable goes in. Is the only place where it's held on?

Ayuh,.... That big nut, 'n the pin that attaches to the tiller are the attachment points....

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Frozen steering 70 HP Yamaha

There should be a rod connected to the steering cable. The cable has a long 18" or so ram that slides in and out of the casing and that should connect to the motor by a linkage rod. Disconnect the linkage rod and try the steering. If the wheel turns fine ....then by hand move your outboard left and right. This will determine if it is the steering cable or the pivot on the outboard.

Steering cables corrode fairly quick and some (rare) can be lubricated by forcing lubricant through the shaft....... if that does nor work then you may be facing a cable replacement

 

[Randy J]

Re: Frozen steering 70 HP Yamaha

outboard??? does it have a motor lock on back ?? for transport ?? or one a those prop up motor to trailer sticks for trailering and ya forgot ?? just an idea ??

 

[dcducks1]

Re: Frozen steering 70 HP Yamaha

My Merc used to do the same thing. The sleeve that is connected to the cable and slides thru your engine "tube" gets corroded and hangs up. DO NOT force the steering wheel. I used to disconnect the "swing" arm from the cable end and make sure the outboard moves freely. Once that is done, you can take out the grease fitting on the front face of the engine tube and try to put some PB Blaster up there. There should be a couple of large nuts (one on each side) of the engine tube. You can break these loose and if the steering is still locked. Start tapping TAPPING on the swing arm connector end of the sleeve. Usually just messing with it back and forth, squirting PB, tapping, loosening, etc finally would break it free. Once freed, you will be doing yourself a favor by pulling the cable out of the tube and cleaning as much of the sleeve and the inside of the tube. Get any impurities out and put it back together and relube. The better job you do, the easier it will be next year. Good luck.

 

[KeyWestBoater]

Re: Frozen steering 70 HP Yamaha

Randy J, It is an outboard and there's no motor lock. Thanks anyway!

I will take it apart this weekend and let you all know what I find. Hopefully it's hung up on just a little rust on the rod.

Thanks!
KWB