New steering cable installation

[timjones]

Just got my teleflex steering cable with the helm assembly. I got the helm installed and now i'm working on getting the cable through the tilt tube and i can get it in about 2 inches and then it won't go in any further. I've searched here on the forum and watched videos on youtube and still just as stuck. any advice?

 

[marcortez]

Re: New steering cable installation

Won't go further in because it's hitting something inside the tube?
Solid stop and no go?
Lined up for a straight shot and not canted off to one side?
Some grease might help.

Check for something inside the tube that might be causing the hanging up of the cable? Sight down the empty tube?

Cable overall is long enough?

I will be installing this same system soon and would be interested in your progress.

 

[BLU LUNCH]

Re: New steering cable installation

I had to unbolt my outboard swing a little side ways and it went right through, it was the only way to get mine in.............

 

[timjones]

Re: New steering cable installation

cool, i'll try loosining the bolts toworrow.

 

[timjones]

Re: New steering cable installation

well, i sorta feel like an idiot. i got the cable through and everything works. what was holding me up yesterday was that the nut on the cable that screw onto the starboard side of the tilt tube was too big to pass through the hole in the fiberglass so i just made the hole a little bit bigger. now the steering is good to go.

when i tried to loosen the bolts on the motor as suggested, the bottom bolt and nut on port side both spin. all the other 3 tightened back up. is this a big deal?

 

[Mark42]

Re: New steering cable installation

.....
when i tried to loosen the bolts on the motor as suggested, the bottom bolt and nut on port side both spin. all the other 3 tightened back up. is this a big deal?

Well, lets just say its a bad thing. Reason being is if they spin, they are not sealing out the water, and water will leak past to the inside of the transom and rot begins quickly. Plus they need to be tight.

So it's best to seal the bolts. They need to be removed, sealer applied like 3m 4300 and re-installed. You will need a socket on one side, and a box end or the like to keep it from turning.

 

[timjones]

Re: New steering cable installation

argh! is this how the boating world is? fix one problem and another project begins????

 

[Willyclay]

Re: New steering cable installation

That's the general idea. The members on this site are the single best resource for recreational boaters. The only way you can really screw up is to NOT ask a question!