Replacement ride-guide and cable

tristanlee85

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
32
Knowing very little about this engine, hopefully I can provide enough information to get the products I need. The steering on the boat was completely locked up, but I noticed that when turning the wheel, the lower cable would force itself out of the rotary guide. I removed the guide and noticed that the plastic bushing inside was broke and the cable looked to be bent a little. After only having 1 cable connected to the steering column, the engine turns just fine.

Looking at the cable, I see that it's a Steermaster Mark III 12ft. The 2 numbers on there are too warn to read. You can see the style of the cable in the photos provided. I looked online, but couldn't seem to find that brand anymore. I did find this link and it appears to be correct (http://greatlakesskipper.com/produc...-steermaster-12-foot-boat-steering-cable.html), but I provided pictures anyway.



Also, as you can see from the rotary guide, the plastic guide is cracked. Is this a piece that can be ordered alone, or would I need the whole rotary assembly?


Lastly, I noticed on the rotary piece that when it's fully bolted together, there is a small gap between the 2 plates. This is where the cable would poke out when trying to turn the wheel. The gap was filled with silicon/RTV to most likely keep water out, but I can't figure out why there would even be a gap there. I would think it needs to be completely flat so the surfaces mate correctly. However, the other rotary piece that still works is the same way and is filled with RTV. Is this normal or does it seem like the pieces were messed with? If they are supposed to be flush, I can weld to each side and flatten the surface. I figure this gap in there allowed the stress of the cable to push the plastic out enough to cause it to crack... just a guess.


thanks in advance for the help!
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,190
Re: Replacement ride-guide and cable

Gonna be easier to buy the whole system.They use the rotary on older boats and when space is tight and the Rack @ Pinion won't fit'.And double stations.
Look up Teleflex on the net.They have everything you need.I think they sell steering stuff here too.J
 

tristanlee85

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
32
Re: Replacement ride-guide and cable

By "whole system" are you suggesting I replace everything to something a little more modern? I have found that the piece I need is the "liner" part #54124, but out of everyone I have contacted, it's no longer manufactured so finding a used one is really my only option. Putting in a whole new system over a $3 part is not something I am looking forward to. Looking at the Teleflex site, I assume you were suggesting I buy one of their steering systems over the specific part I need.
 

merc850

Commander
Joined
Jul 7, 2010
Messages
2,055
Re: Replacement ride-guide and cable

Mercury stopped making RideGuide steering a few years ago so you'll have to go with @#%^flex like I had to,( it's marginal but what can you do?) or contact Mercury dealers and maybe they'll have the parts. Personally I wouldn't use a boat with defective steering (ever been in a hard turn?)
 
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