Steering Cable Locked?

[detlvng]

i have no feed back steering. the engine turns in one direction but not the other. i have disassembled the cables/sleeves from the engine; the engine turns smoothly in both directions. there are 2 cables, one closer to the stern and one closer to the bow. when the "bow" cable is connected the motor will not turn either way. when i disconnect it the engine turns freely in one direction (i had to remove the keeper nut from the sleeve to make this happen), when i put the keeper nut back on the sleeve, nothing moves. if i undue the nut the sleeve and the steering rod slides in and out freely. is the cable just frozen in the sleeve? any answers/solutions would be appreciated. thank you

 

[ob1jeeper]

Re: Steering Cable Locked?

It would appear that you have answered your own question. Although I have not had one of these systems apart, from your description, it would appear you have correctly diagnosed a "frozen" (or at least Stuck...) cable.<br /><br />Why not try to tilt it enough to get some penetrant oil to soak down through the cable to see if it will free up. If not, you'll probably have to bite the bullet,and buy a new one.<br /><br />Good Luck, Obiwan

 

[Dershman]

Re: Steering Cable Locked?

you might try "PB Blaster" penetrating oil it came highly recommended in my inquiry re: frozen steering column '80 40hpmerc. I have not yet tried it.