Rotted Steering Tube !! How do I replace it?

[Kymasabe]

My steering cable broke a few days ago. My old cable has been dificult to find so I'm going to get a new kit with helm and all. But, while cleaning the steering tube tonight, I discovered that the steering tube is rotted thru on one side and lube/cleaner is leaking out the side of it.

How in the world does one replace the steering tube on an '83 Johnson 60HP?
Is this a job for the local outboard repair shop?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Rotted Steering Tube !! How do I replace it?

Not a big or complicated job, just time consuming.

Remove the engine from the boat and lay it on its back so that the carburetors etc face upwards. That will allow you to remove and replace the tube with little effort.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rotted Steering Tube !! How do I replace it?

basically you remove the nuts on each end, and take it out, then install new one.

 

[F_R]

Re: Rotted Steering Tube !! How do I replace it?

In theory, it is an easy job. Just slide it out and slide a new one in. Ha!! It may be frozen in there so tight it is nearly impossible to get it out. Especially one that is so cruddy that it has rusted clear through the side.

 

[Kymasabe]

Re: Rotted Steering Tube !! How do I replace it?

I guess I'll need to support the motor when I do try to replace the steerer tube. I don't want to have to disconnect all the wiring and cables, was wondering if I could suspend the motor from an engine crane, let it hang there while I try to yank this tube out. I wonder if I could cut out the center section of the tube, leaving only the ends in the motor, and knock them out with a punch and a hammer or some kind of slide hammer?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Rotted Steering Tube !! How do I replace it?

it takes 5 minutes to disconnect the wiring and cables. you are better off on a stable surface. sure you can cut out the middle. hit it with some PB blaster.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Rotted Steering Tube !! How do I replace it?

Just to clarify - are you talking about the tilt tube or the steering tube?

Tilt tube - horizontal and the steering cable passes through it.

Steering tube - vertical and the shift rod passes through it.

 

[Kymasabe]

Re: Rotted Steering Tube !! How do I replace it?

OK...maybe I've been calling it the wrong thing. I guess it's the tilt tube, is hoizontal, and the steering cable goes thru it.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Rotted Steering Tube !! How do I replace it?

Everyone else was talking about the tilt tube too. I just thought it was worth a double-check.


Carry on, nothing to see here.