A boat I recently bought is almost ready to go out. Its a 16' center console with teleflex no-feedback mechanical steering using a 14' cable to a 55hp Evinrude (1982 model). Last problem to fix is was frozen steering. I went through the battle of getting the old cable out (lots of PB blaster, hammering, beer, etc.). I could not get the aluminum nut that attaches the cable to the tilt tube off, so had to split it with a dremel. It appeared cross threaded. Once removed, inspection revealed the tilt-tube threads to be pretty good...not damaged as I was careful with the dremel cutting wheel and didn't hit the tube. Today I picked up my replacement teleflex 14' cable and it will not thread onto the tilt tube. I really looked at the tilt tube threads and they are okay. Is it possible the previous owner installed some iron pipe with non-standard threads? Help...I'm ticked because I think I just stripped the fitting on a brand new $115 steering cable!
