how to lube steering cable 1976 OMC I/O

[rernst]

My experience with steering stems from the old cable systems, simple and reliable. I've got a nice, 1976 boat with an OMC stern drive and the steering is fairly stiff. What do I check to see what type/brand it is, I'm assuming it's a cable that push/pulls to do the steering. And is there a way to lubricate it so it works easier?

Thanks,

Rich

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how to lube steering cable 1976 OMC I/O

no way to lube. remove cable should be # one the outer casing.

 

[rernst]

Re: how to lube steering cable 1976 OMC I/O

Bummer, and surprising. Guess I'll have to dig into it to see how to remove (I'm assuming you mean remove the whole cable, not just the inside part, right?).

 

[JCF350]

Re: how to lube steering cable 1976 OMC I/O

If you have a steering cable bolted to the upper gearcase and sticks through the transom you have a push/pull cable. Use lube on the end that slides in and out.

If your steering cable ends inside the boat just behind the starboard side of the engine you have "True-Course" steering. You will see the cable wrapped around a spool there. Get someone to work the helm back and forth from stop to stop and apply the lube to the cable, do the same thing for the helm end of the cable.

 

[rernst]

Re: how to lube steering cable 1976 OMC I/O

Ok, I'll look for the type of cable connection.

What do I use to lube it? Trailer wheel bearing grease, or would lubriplate be better?

 

[Boatist]

Re: how to lube steering cable 1976 OMC I/O

I lube mine with TriFlow. It is a light lube with Teflon. There is a company thats sells a lube attachmnent that you can mount and it lubes the cable as you use it. It is pretty hard to get any lube to the center of the cable but can lube the drums and both cables at both ends.

Make sure you also Lube the steering gear shaft at the zert fittings inside and outside. Many people miss the fitting on the inside as it is hard to see. You will find it on the shaft for the steering gear not too far from the drum the cable wrapps around. Also lube the steering gear in the out drive thru a hole in the front of the outdrive below the ball gears.