Steering linkage adjustment?

[j1zajac]

I bought a '90 Thompson 21' with 5.7L merc last year at auction. I noticed that in the water I have very little manuevrability steering to the right. I can rotate the steering only 3/4 of a full turn to the right but when I turn to the left the wheel will rotate over 2 full turns. I can't figure out how to balance/adjust the steering mechanism to give me equal turns both ways. When I look at the shaft that the steering rod is connected to going thru the transom of the boat, it seems to be centered in the slot at the transom. Where the steering cable/rod asm hooks to the shaft leading to the outdrive I don't notice any room for adjustment. Does anyone have any idea why I can only turn the steering 3/4 of a turn to the right while the strg wheel rotates fine to the left. This lack of steering makes it a very dangerous situation..Thanks John

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: Steering linkage adjustment?

is it rack and pinion or rotory? If it rack take the helm apart and move it a few teeth to center it, if it's rotary take the helm apart and move the cable a few notches to center it, you will have to remove the steering wheel and take the helm out of the dash to do this from the sounds of the turns you have i would say it's a rack, check the teeth on the helm and the rack while you have it apart, if they are worn i would replace it.

 

[j1zajac]

Re: Steering linkage adjustment?

It is a rack system. I'll take it apart this weekend and see what's in there. Being used, I don't if anything has ever been dismanteled or not.Thanks for the input.

 

[j1zajac]

Re: Steering linkage adjustment?

Well,I took everythint apart this past weekend and everything is centered and good. I'm begining to think my problem may be at the link going thru the transom attached to the gimbal housing. I noticed that when I stand outside the boat I can push the lower unit side to side very freely with several inches of free play and the steering wheel is not moving. I could not see exactly how the steering link is attached to the gimbal housing but does anyone know where I could find a good picture of the attachment. The SELCO manual doesn't show a view of the steering link thru the transom and how it's attached to the gimble housing. I also went to a boat dealer yesterday and pushed sideways on a couple of their outdrives and there was no freeplay in them, that is what makes me suspect I have something worn out but don't want to tear down the outdrive yet if someone has some ideas..John

 

[Villain Style]

Re: Steering linkage adjustment?

Did you find your problem yet????? I would be curoius to know the fix.

 

[DJ]

Re: Steering linkage adjustment?

Does this have power steering?<br /><br />If so, you have a sleeve that actually moves the rudder arm. It must be free.

 

[j1zajac]

Re: Steering linkage adjustment?

Sorry the answer took so long but I have been having computer problems. Took the boat to a marina and found the center steering shaft that goes into the gimbal housing completely worn and the gimbal almost rounded out too (should of been square). I was very close to loosing my steering control. The marina was nice and found me a good used gimbal housing for $150. Since they already had the engine out for a coupler replacement labor wasn't too much more but still a pain in the ??????. The boat handles great and steers the way it should steer now.......