Steering Cable

[gtashie]

My steering cable for a 1997 suzuki 200h was professionally replaced (brand new)last year, and worked well all season long. Preparing boat for first of season launch yesterday I now have frozen steering. First I released cable at point where it enters steering wheel, the wheel loosened up and cable rode through housing ok, but no efffect on motor steering. I then reattached at steering wheel and released it at point it enters brackets below motor. This freed up the cable, and my pushing and pulling cable resulted in steering wheel responding well. <br />But neither test brought me to the problem of why the motor wont turn when the cables are hooked up.<br />Please help - seas are calm, fish are running, and the family wants to be taxied to the beach.

 

[DJ]

Re: Steering Cable

gtashie,<br /><br />The pivot that your motor sits on is frozen. There should be some grease fittings on the motor steering pivot.<br /><br />Try turning the motor with the cable unhooked.

 

[gtashie]

Re: Steering Cable

tried the advice. greaded up all the fittings, motor still not moving.<br />released bracket that holds motor and it swings free - unfortuantely free of the cable. local mechanic said he believes its a frozen pin inside the cable housing. an oxy-acetylene torch will undo it..any thoughts?

 

[Franki]

Re: Steering Cable

I'd spray a heap of penetrating oil in their first, let it soak for a while, then put it back together and put some load on it, turn the wheel yourself and get someone to try and swing the motor at the same time, (make sure you and he are trying to turn it in the same direction.)<br /><br />I would be worried about taking an oxy to it.. make that a last resort.<br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Frank

 

[reel addiction]

Re: Steering Cable

fought same problem a couple of years ago.<br />replaced the cable problem solve , still<br />don't know why.. Now I have hyd. steering<br />never go back... Just bought 95 200 suzuki<br />How do you like your suzuki?

 

[DJ]

Re: Steering Cable

gtashie,<br /><br />OK you've figured out that your engine is free-that's good. A stuck engine pivot would be a lot more $$$ to fix.<br /><br />Replace the cable or go with Hyd. Steering.<br /><br />I WOULD NOT trust a cable that has been seized. The only thing that will seize one is corrosion. Once corrosion has set in it will continue and degrade the cable inside the housing.<br /><br />Believe me, you DO NOT want that cable to break while the boat is underway.

 

[gtashie]

Re: Steering Cable

OK, thanks for the generous advice. I managed to free it, and am launching tomorrow. After unhooking the bracket that attaches to the piston (for lack of a better term), and the motor swung free, I used lots of elbow grease and leverage to free the piston a bit. After 45 minutes of tugging and pushing, it released. After working it in and out for quite some time I wiped away the old grease and reapplied new grease. <br />Its working just great, although the water test is tommorow.<br /><br />I think it was caused by a few factors: 7 months of sitting, years of salt build up, old grease, and my belief that its always best to store the motor with that piston "in".<br /><br />Anyway, I'm happy I found this site and worked my problem thru. Thanks to all. Hope I can repay the favor.<br /><br />By hte way, i love the suzuki - its been relaible to date. Wish it was a 4 stroke though.<br /><br />George