Steering Cables for 1979 85hp Evinrude?

[oldboat1]

Re: Steering Cables for 1979 85hp Evinrude?

Take it out at the steering wheel.

That is, remove the cable retaining nut at the unit under the dash, and pull the cable out. If you get a new cable you can reverse the process and thread it back in place. I would find a complete unit (my opinion) and just bolt it up in place -- new if you have the money, good used one if you want to save some bucks.

Remove the stern side after detaching the cable in the front -- pull the cable out from the side of the splashwell.

 

[CaneCutter79]

Re: Steering Cables for 1979 85hp Evinrude?

I'm not pulling powerhead to remove cable. I was asking if I could lift the motor with the powerhead chain hoist bracket. The cable is pinched so bad, cutting is the only option but installing the new one will present same poblem. The splashwell and the way the hull is designed almost has the cable in a bind. Been that way since day one. Would need to make serious modification to install new one without removing motor. Trust me, I don't want to pull it unless I have too.

Definately getting a new kit.

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Steering Cables for 1979 85hp Evinrude?

I'm not pulling powerhead to remove cable. I was asking if I could lift the motor with the powerhead chain hoist bracket. The cable is pinched so bad, cutting is the only option but installing the new one will present same poblem. The splashwell and the way the hull is designed almost has the cable in a bind. Been that way since day one. Would need to make serious modification to install new one without removing motor. Trust me, I don't want to pull it unless I have too.

Definately getting a new kit.

that's what i've been using to lift mine

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Steering Cables for 1979 85hp Evinrude?

sounds to me like you are going to have to modify the hull opening to fit the replacement cable -- can probably do that without lifting the motor off as well. trying to help here....

If you, say, enlarge the opening to the splashwell, you can make that a neat job -- put in a grommet to fit. ALSO, there are tilt tubes that either attach to the transom (or the side of the motor well)** or under the motor clamps or bolted to transom in that general location, if the tube in the motor can't work with your configuration.

**note. Believe F_R is referring to one of these options in #8, above. Just want to emphasize that there are other options for mounting the steering cable if you can't do it using the tube in the motor, given the transom or splash well configuration. As you probably know, the cable assembly is attached or clamped to the boat at various spots between the stern and the steering wheel, so you need to free it up to pull it out. I was thinking too that your existing cable might be too short for proper installation, causing it to bend too sharply at the motor -- should be a straight shot from the side of the boat -- at least no sharp bends.

 

[CaneCutter79]

Re: Steering Cables for 1979 85hp Evinrude?

I ordered the Telflex Safe-T QC rotoary package today.

http://www.iboats.com/Safe-T-QC-Rotary-Package-10-SeaStar/dm/view_id.169532

I even have a method for lifting the motor that should not create too much fuss. Probably a 3-4hr job max by myself. I've devised a way to create a lifting point within my garage. My outboard only weighs about 325lbs so having a point load on my ceiling isn't a big concern. I have a storage platform above that's probably holding 600lbs plus and I walk around up there all the time so it's structurally sound. Lifting it will allow me to put the cable in without pinching or modifying the boat.

Thanks again for the assistance as usual. Always a great resource here at iboats!

 

[CaneCutter79]

Re: Steering Cables for 1979 85hp Evinrude?

that's what i've been using to lift mine

My mechanic told me to be sure and trim the outboard up some due to balancing the weight. He said if I didn't, it would make it a lot harder to put back on the transom. Did you find that to be a problem for you?

How much should you trim up? I was thinking about a 15-20 degree angle should be enough. I will have the motor still connected so I can always adjust the trim as needed to get it to sit back onto the transom correctly.

 

[Triangleboater]

Re: Steering Cables for 1979 85hp Evinrude?

Trimming up just a few degrees should be fine. I had to do this exact same thing with my boat last year. Steering stuck completely. Not a bad job at all. I only lifted the motor so the weight was off of the tilt tube, just enough. I also cut the cable since I was replacing it anyway. Made the job a heck of a lot easier.

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Steering Cables for 1979 85hp Evinrude?

I just unlocked it like I was tilting it up, then you can tilt at what ever angle it needs to be to bolt it to the transom. since it hangs from the ring on top, the bracket is left free to hinge where you need it to be. I don't have power trim to deal with

 

[CaneCutter79]

Re: Steering Cables for 1979 85hp Evinrude?

I just unlocked it like I was tilting it up, then you can tilt at what ever angle it needs to be to bolt it to the transom. since it hangs from the ring on top, the bracket is left free to hinge where you need it to be. I don't have power trim to deal with

You poor thing. That motor must be a bear to lift up and down. I had a 55hp Yamaha and I hated not having power trim.

 

[coolbri70]

Re: Steering Cables for 1979 85hp Evinrude?

I just sit in the splashwell with feet straddling the engine, reach over the cowl grab the handle and pull back in a rowing motion. sometimes I think I will upgrade but then I think, just something else to break:facepalm: and its only like 300 lbs, the real bother is if I want to change the trim on the water I have to reach down under the water to move the pin

 

[CaneCutter79]

Re: Steering Cables for 1979 85hp Evinrude?

I just unlocked it like I was tilting it up, then you can tilt at what ever angle it needs to be to bolt it to the transom. since it hangs from the ring on top, the bracket is left free to hinge where you need it to be. I don't have power trim to deal with

Good gravy!!! I feel bad for you.

You should find a used on on eBay and upgrade. They are really reliable and do not break often. I've had seals replaced on mine and that's it. Far as I know, that was the first time seals had ever been replaced too! Previous owner didn't remember ever replacing seals before. Entire motor had only been in shop once or twice in 30yrs. I'd say that's a good track record.

 

[CaneCutter79]

Re: Steering Cables for 1979 85hp Evinrude?

Here's an update. I got the new steering kit installed yesterday and boy what a difference! It's like driving a sports car almost. Can't believe how much more responsive the boat is and how easy it is to drive. The old cable had been a bit stiff but nothing like it had become the last few months. Now, it's smooth and easy.

I was hoping I wouldn't have to remove the motor to install new cable but there was no other way around it. Instead of lifting, I was able to slide the motor on the transom which worked just as well. Cutting the old cable was fun (sarcasm). I should have used an angle grinder. My big industrial recip. saw was no match for the old cable. Burned up a new blade cutting through the old one.

I have an after photo I'll upload later. I used 2 cans of degreaser removing old grime and grease. I also made a custom tube cleaner by tack welding a 3/4" plumbers wire brush to a long screwdriver. (Haha) . That got the tube clean along with the degreaser.

Thanks again to all of the tips and advice. Very happy with the Telflex steering kit.

 

[CaneCutter79]

Re: Steering Cables for 1979 85hp Evinrude?

Before photo (greasy)


After photo