OMC Cobra Steering

Reinell-BRXL-191

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 18, 2012
Messages
295
Over the last few years I have gotten very good with helping folks fix their Shift cables.. but now I need some insight on a "just happened last night" problem..

I am headed back to the dock, doing about 35 or so... and all of the sudden the boat lists over like I was turning, so I try to correct it and NOTHING... I slow to a crawl and turn the wheel the same direction it was heading and it steers even more so now I am doing a tight circle, the wheel just spins and spins.. so I slow even more, and slowly I am able to get the course corrected enough to get the boat to the dock and back on the trailer... so, on land... nothing in either direction... the pump is working, it just seems like the steering cable is not attached.. I can hear something moving in the tube by the power steering rack... how is the steering cable attached to the rod that actually steers the sterndrive? is it possible a nut came off, or loosened up.. just don't want to be opening this thing up without some pros telling me what might be going on... I see the cables cost and arm and leg.... Thanks in advanced!! I have no idea even where to find a cable after speeding an hour looking...

1992 Four Winns Horizon
 
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Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,095
I have no idea even where to find a cable after speeding an hour looking...

Ayuh,..... Then slow down,..... They've got 'em right here at iboats,.....

The cable attaches to the actuator at the transom, with the Big nut, at the end of the colored outer casin', starboard side of the transom,....
'n the inner cable rod attaches with a clevis pin, on the port side of the transom, close to midway,...
 

Reinell-BRXL-191

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 18, 2012
Messages
295
Thanks Bondo.. after tearing half the boat apart, I finally figured out how it comes apart... now I need to figure out what end to take apart first to decide what the problem is.. as far as looking, my problem is trying to determine what cable I need, not really an issue of actually locating them

I am starting to think the issue is actually under the wheel, and not in the back... but I guess we will see
 
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Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,095
I am starting to think the issue is actually under the wheel, and not in the back... but I guess we will see

Ayuh,..... When readin' yer story, my 1st thought was the helm puked,....

Whichever, get yerself a helm, 'n cable "Kit",.... the pricin' they use makes the "Kit" a no-brainier,.....
 

Reinell-BRXL-191

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 18, 2012
Messages
295
Well, I decided to start on the wheel end... turns out it was an easy fix... someone at sometime had removed the steering wheel, and the keyway had fallen out.. it has worked fine for years... then last night decided to slip.. a trip to autozone fixed me right up...
 
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