Steering stuck

[DjPro]

just bought a '87 whaler outrage with a '87 johnson 150 and the steering seems to be stuck....<br /><br />What to do?<br /><br />Boat hasn't been used in 4 years<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Daniel Beckman]

Re: Steering stuck

Had the same prob with my steering.<br />It was the steering wire that was broken inside the hose.<br />Did get a new wire and it worked perfect.<br /><br />Now i have switch to hydralic steering, and it's really nice and a big diffrent.

 

[DjPro]

Re: Steering stuck

I don't think it is the wire because the steering is stuck in it current position and the wheel won't move much in either direction....

 

[Daniel Beckman]

Re: Steering stuck

Well im not sure either but i did get the same problem i couldnt move the weel in any direction the wire was broken inide the hose and did work like a hook in both direction.

 

[Walker]

Re: Steering stuck

Your steering cable end is probably stuck in the motors tilt tube. Sometimes you can beat it out without messing it up, sometimes you can't. If you get it out you need to clean out the tilt tube real good. There was a recent post about cleaning the tilt tube. Do a search and you'll probably find it.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Steering stuck

sounds as if your cable has frozen. undo it from both ends and see if maybe corosion id forming on either end, maybe try applying some oil to the ends and work it to see if it frees up.<br /><br />if not, then it may have a small hole in the outer sleeve which has alowed moisture to enter and begin rusting. i had same problem, i cured it with the purchase of a new steering cable.<br /><br />mikey

 

[sgcheek]

Re: Steering stuck

I agree with Walker. That is the most common thing to cause the steering to seize. Some boats allow enough room to pull the cable from the tube after disconnecting it at the motor. Some don't. If that is the case, pulling the engine mount bolts after supporting the engine will allow the engine to be moved in order to pull the cable and properly de-rust the tube and liberally grease the inside of it to help prevent future rusting.

 

[DjPro]

Re: Steering stuck

great I will try it tomorrow

 

[gibletts]

Re: Steering stuck

Had the same problem once, beat the thing for half a day with the hammer and nothing happened. I eventually got it free by putting a pair of monster vice grips on the rod, it rotated free fairly easily. After cleaning the spouge out I have had no problems since.<br /><br />dm

 

[OBJ]

Re: Steering stuck

Dj....just remember one thing....that's a lot of horses behind your boat. If there is any doubt as to the trustworthyness of the steering cable, replace it.

 

[1986mariner150]

Re: Steering stuck

I use to use hammer method but then the guy at the boat yard showed me his method. Have a friend stand beside and push on the motor while you turn the wheel, says he is sucessfull 99% of the time and no dings. Then go at it with penetrents and grease. If you can't get it working pretty easy you may want to look into replacement, and if top speed is much over 55 mph you should look for a dual cable set up. If that thing breaks it will probably happen at wide open and the motor is going to take an immediate right as far as it will go and maybe then some, guess where you are going to wind up and if you are still conscience look out cause the boat is coming right back for ya again and again till it runs out of gas.

 

[Throbbin Rods]

Re: Steering stuck

Detach the cable from the steering box end. Attach a 12 inch length of heater hose over the jacket and tighten with a hose clamp. fill the heater hose with ATF, then put a tire valve stem in the end and tighten that with a couple hose clamps. Pressurize the valve stem and leave it overnight. Usually the ATF drizzles out the other end and the cable works as good as new. I've saved 5 or 6 that way.

 

[DjPro]

Re: Steering stuck

I detached the cable from the motor and it works just fine. I think the motor is frozen in the motor shaft.<br /><br />How do I free that up?

 

[angus63]

Re: Steering stuck

Look under the trailer bracket (tilt it forward first) and you will see a grease fitting. Pump it good until grease flows from top and bottom of vertical steering tube. Work motor back and forth until free.<br />Good luck

 

[DjPro]

Re: Steering stuck

I'll try that though it won't budge now.