Outboard steering

[JasonB]

Ok, I give. I'm trying to remove my '76 Johnson V4 from my boat for a transom replacement. How do I get the steering loose. It looks like the cable should slide back through the tube after unscrewing the nut on the drivers side of the motor and pulling the bushing out. The cable still won't slide through. What am I missing??

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Outboard steering

Not uncommon.. A bit of Wd-40 on the cable and work it back and forth to dislodge any built up crud... <br /><br />If that does'nt work you may have to drive the cable end thru the tube with a hammer and a piece of steel rod or anything you can use as a punch that will fit thru the tube... Just don't mash up the end of the cable by hammering on it...

 

[Valv]

Re: Outboard steering

No to be arrogant or disrespectful, but did you disconnect rod on opposite side of cable nut?<br /><br />It's usually a stainless steel rod that goes from underneath front part of motor to end of steering cable.<br /><br />I am asking since you didn't mention it, I though you coul have forgotten.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Outboard steering

Yup, disconnected that. It just doesn't seen to be able to slide through the tube. I applied a 3lb attitude adjuster and a punch, and it is now an inch or so down in the tube, looks like I'm going to need a heavier adjuster and longer punch, but I wanted to make sure this is how it should ome apart before I really break something.

 

[Valv]

Re: Outboard steering

yep, that is a good tool , you should also try a BFH that works great too, I used to work with computers and that sometimes is the only way out.

 

[ajp]

Re: Outboard steering

I have found that sliding the motor to the port side helps free up the cable. the cable doesnt bend easily so it tends to bind, the straighter the cable the easier the push. I have also experienced the fact that the very end that attached to the motor arm will bend over the years due to use. Any bend at all will cause a hard removal. Either way, lubricate and hammer it out.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Outboard steering

A slight bend may be what I'm dealing with. My biggest prob at the minute is I have misplaced my BFH/Atitude adjuster.... Wonder if my wife has it waiting to adjust my atitude for all the time spent tinkering with the boat.......

 

[JasonB]

Re: Outboard steering

Problem solved. My bigger attitude adjuster didn't help any. I ended up making an executive decision that required a reciprocating saw. If I have to beat on it that much to get it out, would it have ever gone back in. At 27 years old, It's probably best to replace it. Is it possible to get a new steering tube to fit my '76 Johnson V4? Anyone have any idea what one would cost? If cheap enough, I may just replace the tube too as it looks a little warped.