Steering help! New boat owner

[Bondo]

Where are the service manuals for engine and drive on here? I went to adult only section but they only have service manuals 1-4 there which look like they only go through 1984.

Ayuh,.... You have to use the scroll button for the rest of the manuals,....

 

[Erwin4200]

Ayuh,.... You have to use the scroll button for the rest of the manuals,....

#21 isn't uploaded yet which is the one I need for my engine. 1994 and up 3.0L
Found the one for my sterndrive though. Thanks!

 

[Rick Stephens]

I'll start with steering cable but wouldn't I have issues turning the wheel out of water if the cable was the problem? What about grease zerks?

Wasn't really recommending that you start with disassembling the steering cable.... although that may be in the works after checking everything else. I was more describing the way it goes together for whenever you do end up there. First thing I would be doing is inspecting everything and doing shake tests to find out where the steering is binding. I doubt it is the cable. After doing shake tests, have someone hold pressure on the outdrive while you turn the wheel. See if you can duplicate the problem.

 

[Erwin4200]

Wasn't really recommending that you start with disassembling the steering cable.... although that may be in the works after checking everything else. I was more describing the way it goes together for whenever you do end up there. First thing I would be doing is inspecting everything and doing shake tests to find out where the steering is binding. I doubt it is the cable. After doing shake tests, have someone hold pressure on the outdrive while you turn the wheel. See if you can duplicate the problem.

I duplicated the problem by just putting the trim down today. The steering cable is a sealed unit and when I extended the cable there was a very sticky film on it. Would this be the problem? Just a build up of grease over time? I was going to try some WD-40 to try and loosen some of the gunk up

 

[Rick Stephens]

Yup, common problem. Wd40, while not much of a lubricant is a good solvent. All steering cables are 'sealed' like that. Hardened lubricant is the most common hard steering problem. Usually it does it even when out of the water though. Hope you got it!

Rick

 

[Erwin4200]

Yup, common problem. Wd40, while not much of a lubricant is a good solvent. All steering cables are 'sealed' like that. Hardened lubricant is the most common hard steering problem. Usually it does it even when out of the water though. Hope you got it!

Rick

So once I get all the "gunk" off the cable while extended, should I then regrease the cable or just leave it be? From what I've read you regrease with cable retracted but I'm not totally sure how I'd even be able to do that without zerks.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I've used some lighter grease successfully on the steering cable end, I just extended it all the way and gave it a quick coat. Every couple years, clean and repeat. I have a bunch of different lubricants sitting around from years of shop business. I didn't go out and buy anything. Not sure what I would get. Last boat I bought the steering was just like yours, they used white grease on it and it was hard as a rock. On a cold morning it wouldn't turn until the motor bay warmed it up enough to soften up.After cleaning it off I used some light weight food grade grease I had left over from a customer welding job on a canner line years ago (can't believe it has been that long, but over 14 years ago) It has been several years since I put it on and stayed easy turning. I don't think you go wrong as long as you know it gets cleaned off and regreased once in a while.

 

[Erwin4200]

Tried wd40 and a cleaning of telescoping arm, did not help. Unhooked steering cable today and wheel turned effortlessly and drive pushed and pulled effortlessly as well. Hooked back up and wheel stiff, drive hard to push pull. Like usual. Next step?

 

[Rick Stephens]

Tried wd40 and a cleaning of telescoping arm, did not help. Unhooked steering cable today and wheel turned effortlessly and drive pushed and pulled effortlessly as well. Hooked back up and wheel stiff, drive hard to push pull. Like usual. Next step?

Is the tube that the cable end inserts into clean?

 

[Erwin4200]

Is the tube that the cable end inserts into clean?

No idea i wikl have to take the steering cable out of the boat to check

 

[Rick Stephens]

No idea i wikl have to take the steering cable out of the boat to check

Just have to pull the cable out and run a brush or rag on a stick though the guide tube.