Frozen Steering (Teleflex NFB)

Geekie1

Cadet
Joined
Aug 25, 2009
Messages
10
Hi All,

I know this topic has been gone over a thousand times, however, I have a question! I have a Wellcraft V20 / Yamaha 150 hp, with Teleflex cable steering with "No Feedback) FYI, when I refer to port or starboard side of the engine, I am referring to standing behind the engine, facing the bow of the boat. I have had my steering freeze at least 2 times in the past and have always been able to free it by soaking the ram with Kroil or PB Blaster on the port side of the engine and backing out the large nut on the starboard side of the engine and soaking the exposed shaft. I even came up with a hose/air pressure gadget to force penetrant into the pivot tube and ram on the port side of the engine.

This time was different. As I was backing out the large nut on the starboard (cable entry) side of the engine, the nut was hard to back out and suddenly the nut came free. The ram projecting out of the pivot tube on the port side of the engine is still jammed and will not move and the cable on the starboard side moves freely when operated from the helm! I suspect that the cable broke where attached to the ram inside the pivot tube.
Question - Is this correct????

The ram is really jammed with about half of it projecting out of the pivot tube on the port side I have about 6" of clearance from the projecting ram to the side of the port engine well which leaves very little room to knock it out from the port side!! On the starboard side, I have more room, (about a foot) to force out the ram with a brass drift.

Question - Can I force out the ram from the starboard side and what is the best method to free the ram??

I know that I probably need to replace the cable and ram assembly since I suspect I broke it!! Your responses are greatly appreciated!!

Geek
 

BLU LUNCH

Lieutenant
Joined
Aug 8, 2003
Messages
1,316
Re: Frozen Steering (Teleflex NFB)

Welcome! I had the same thing happen I replaced the tube they are inexpensive, the old tube probably was corroded and pitted. Post a picture of your V-20
 

seabob4

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 10, 2008
Messages
1,603
Re: Frozen Steering (Teleflex NFB)

Geekie,
If you can get the cable out the starboard side of the tilt tube, and it is really broken, you can hammer the remaining rod from the starboard side. But I think a brass drift punch is a little soft, you're really gonna have to bang the sh!t out of the remaining rod...
 

Geekie1

Cadet
Joined
Aug 25, 2009
Messages
10
Re: Frozen Steering (Teleflex NFB)

Seabob,

Do you think heat will loosen the ram that's stuck in the pivot tube? It is currently soaking in PB Blaster! Hoping that will loosen it. Thanks for your replies!! Please keep the suggestions coming.

Geek
 

seabob4

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 10, 2008
Messages
1,603
Re: Frozen Steering (Teleflex NFB)

The PB is a definite must, and heat will help. I remember a frozen cable end on a 150 Evinrude that I had to beat so hard (I was using a 3/8" Craftsman ratchett extension as a punch), it mushroomed the end to the point of creating a punch...'cause you sure couldn't put a ratchet in that hole anymore!

PB and heat, and give the PB time to work...
 
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