Steering needs tlc (replacement)

[Realgun]

Ok peoples I got an 88 Bayliner and the steering is stiff as in real stiff. But it does move. It has a teleflex rack in it now and I got as a gift an Uflex Accutech helm. (Thanks wifey!) This is also a rack and No Feedback to boot. So what do I need to do to remove old and insert new so I get a long lasting and easy steer. I hope its not the motor hinges or whatever they are called.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

You will have to replace the old helm (the thing the steering wheel bolts to) with the new one. You will have to unbolt the old rack cable from your outboard at the tilt tube (the horizontal threaded tube over the transom) which is sometimes easier said than done. Then you will have to pull the old steering cable out of the tilt tube which is also easy to say but may require colorful language. On my boat/motor I had to unbolt the engine from the transom because the steering cable was not a straight shot into the tube and would not come all the way out or go in unless I angled the motor while it was hanging from the rafters. If you are lucky you won't have to unbolt the motor. I had the same problem as you and the change was remarkable. While you have the steering cable off the motor, verify that the motor is turning easily and if not grease the vertical steering tube.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

Sounds good I am sure I can hang the motor in the garage or at least hang it and lower or raise the front of the boat in the garage. Do I clean the tube in the motor ,tilt tube? and with what? Ok will grease all the Zerks again. There are quite a few on my motor... At least I fixed the tilt system. The tilt was not holding the motor up leaking down. Was kinda funny going up the ramp and having to raise the motor at the top again then insert the motor holder. I drained the oil or whatever was in the pump then filled with 30wt nondetergent oil. Now i put it all the way up and after 2 weeks its still up.

 

[tengals123]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

when i replaced my steering i used a long stiff dishwashing brush at the supermarket, you can jam it in there. Then apply marine grade grease to the end of the brush and work it back and forth in the pipe, untill it's well lubed. easy as. cheers

 

[lawyertob]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

Originally posted by Realgun:<br /> ... At least I fixed the tilt system. The tilt was not holding the motor up leaking down. Was kinda funny going up the ramp and having to raise the motor at the top again then insert the motor holder. I drained the oil or whatever was in the pump then filled with 30wt nondetergent oil. Now i put it all the way up and after 2 weeks its still up.

Realgun,<br /><br /> Off topic, but why did you decide to put something other than trim and tilt fluid in you T&T?<br /><br />$0.01 for your thoughts,<br />Joe

 

[G DANE]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

I would certainly not recommend using anything than hydraulic oil where it is ment to and regular where it is ment to. Lubrication oil will make seals and gaskets grow and lock things up over time, in most systems. I exa. brake/ clutch systems. Adding oil instead of hydraulic can be done in emergency situations, and will often make leaking gaskets seal, but will normally require complete rebuild later on. Dont know the outboard systems gasket quality though, nor the oil you used.

 

[lawyertob]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

Originally posted by G DANE:<br /> I would certainly not recommend using anything than hydraulic oil where it is ment to and regular where it is ment to. Lubrication oil will make seals and gaskets grow and lock things up over time, in most systems. I exa. brake/ clutch systems. Adding oil instead of hydraulic can be done in emergency situations, and will often make leaking gaskets seal, but will normally require complete rebuild later on. Dont know the outboard systems gasket quality though, nor the oil you used.

G Dane,<br /><br />That was pretty much why I asked the question. . . I was hoping he had a VERY good reason for doing the change. I suspect that if it has been in there for two weeks that the damage has been done to the seals already though. There are also differences in the acidity of different fluids which are important. However, I suspect that the only way to completely remove the wrong fluid would be a complete disassembly.<br /><br />Just my $0.02 worth,<br />Joe

 

[Realgun]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

Good God man the Manual states 30 wt non detergent oil!<br />I had some from a little motorcyle the wife wanted (Don't Ask).

 

[Realgun]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

I reread the manul Seloc and your correct for the Merc single ram tilt/trim use quicksilver or ATF fluid but in the twin tilt/trim, mine, older use non-detergent 30wt oil. That so the o-rings don't swell. You know how hard it is to find 30wt nondetergent oil? Napa's the only place I found it. Napa's own brand.

 

[G DANE]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

Glad to hear you did think of it and I am sure you will be fine, then. That was what I ment with not knowing your system and oil. But usually its a bummer. I'v done it myselves on a car. Just wanted to warn others. Good boating, great to see your fine work on boat, I looked at you photo site several times.

 

[lawyertob]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

Realgun,<br /><br />Sounds good, I was just worried that you had killed your seals also.<br /><br />Another $0.02 worth,<br />Joe

 

[Realgun]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

Well if the tilt/trim dies I get a new motor but the wife will kill me if she found out I sabotaged it. So I read the manual for the 50th time. Then when you people had a fit I really read that section to my relieve.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

OH MY GOD! I replaced the steering cable and I can really move the motor now! It was a heck of a deal though I had to unbolt the motor 1 bolt, loosen another, then back off the two top clamps.<br />I then fould a wedge shaped wood piece (they are all over the place from other parts of the boat) and used it to lever up the moter so I could slide the nut out. into the boat of the hole in the transom. <br /><br />Then to my horor after getting the old helm out not bad just a bumch of bolts and dust falling in my eyes, the cable I ordered was 1 foot shorter!!!<br />Oh well it went in and it fits well. Shewwww, "Wipe forehead in relief."<br /><br />Helm was a PIA as the teleflex and the Uflex used a different hole size, middle, and Pattern.<br />But it all worked out good thing I can measure and follow the uflex directions. <br />Nope no picture was to disturbed to take any today.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

Realgun,<br /><br />Went through your project pictures just now. I saw the old wheel/helm. So now you have the new Uniflex wheel installed? <br /><br />When are we going to get pics?

 

[Realgun]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

No I got no money for the new wheel. But I was able fix the old wheel problem. A sazall works well to cut the teleflex shaft. I am to cheap to rent a puller even if free. Then 1 pop from a hammer got the shaft out of the hub without mishap.<br />I got no pictures to post becuase it took me all day to replace the steering cable and I ran outa curse words to boot!<br /><br />It basically looks no differnt than the old one but the steering is so sweet its just unreal!<br />Only thing is you can't grab the motor to get it outa the way, it won't move. I got the no feed back system.<br /><br />I will show you some pictures but the only thing different is the nut is now brass and the hub is a wee bit bigger.

 

[tengals123]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

realgun, man that is one nice boat. A quick question. The floor and rear seats you used just normal 1/2" exterior ply?? so you didn't use marine ply? I just need to know, coz i'll be doing similar thing in about a months time. cheers

 

[Realgun]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

I used plywood from the Depot. 20 dollars a sheet. So far have used 2.5 sheets! It is exterior grade 1/2 inch. All epoxy coated on both sides and edges. Marine is not going to do any better for what I am doing. If I had replaced the transom or stringers I would have used marine grade due to the voids in the exterior grade.<br />Now if'n I had to do it all over again I would have use 5/8" or 3/4" for the floor only.<br />Don't get me wrong it is solid but the very edges, around the open ski pit/ bildge are still flimsy but, 5 inches and nothing under it it should bend and I weigh a fair amout. I am a butterball gobble gobble!<br />The reason it bends is that the hatch distrbutes the weight. I put it in because I was a little spooked when I steped on the edge and it felt springy! After the hatch was in it felt as solid as the rest. That aluminum frame really helps!<br />Cheers.

 

[tengals123]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

nice work, i cant wait to get started on mine. Im just praying my stringers are ok. I know ive had water in the hull before.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

Tengals stringers are not going to be that hard. Just cutting and grinding a wee bit more. Just take a lot of measurments. Glue them down using fillits to make the hull stringer area rounded.<br />Fiberglass then in with two or three layes of a good 10 oz or better glass. Making the edges farther from the stringer on eack layer.<br />First layer would be be up and over and about two inches from stringer next six next twelve. Both sides of course. Good and strong.<br />And hurry up!

 

[tengals123]

Re: Steering needs tlc (replacement)

hehehe. i will, the fishing is so good in melbourne, australia at the moment. I will start 1st week in april. it's going to take me and my old man, 3-4mths to finish it i recon.