Steering wheel turns 100% one way, but 75% the other....

[saltfisher]

Just got a 1988 tracker 1800 fiberglass boat with a 150 black max. The owner told me that it steers all the way to the left, but when you steer to the right it only goes about 3/4 of the way then stops. So you cant turn as sharp. I got it home and tried it and he was right. I seen a lube fitting and lubbed it. That made it easier to turn to the left, but then it wouldnt steer at all to the right, and then forced it a little and then it started to steer. BUT... All the lube I just put in the fitting was comming back out as the motor was going back to the right. Some was fresh mixed with older dirty lube. It still stopped about 3" short on the slider shaft (same place before lubbing). What could be the problem? I was thinking maybe some sort of blockoff may need adjusting? or maybe just old lube is caked on that side making the slider shaft (dont know proper name) stop short. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Steering wheel turns 100% one way, but 75% the other....

remove the cable and clean cable and tube throughly, they make a fitting to go on the other end of the tube.

 

[burroak]

Re: Steering wheel turns 100% one way, but 75% the other....

What type of steering mechanism do you have?

 

[stroyer]

Re: Steering wheel turns 100% one way, but 75% the other....

if its a cable you can adjust.
are u sure its not the propellar tourghe ?
does et move ecual to each side?

 

[saltfisher]

Re: Steering wheel turns 100% one way, but 75% the other....

It does not move equal to each side. It goes all the way to the one side, and 3/4 of the way to the other then the steering wheel gets really hard and wont go any further. Its not hydrolic, so how would I adjust the cable so i can turn the wheel/motor all the way?

 

[burroak]

Re: Steering wheel turns 100% one way, but 75% the other....

It does not move equal to each side. It goes all the way to the one side, and 3/4 of the way to the other then the steering wheel gets really hard and wont go any further. Its not hydrolic, so how would I adjust the cable so i can turn the wheel/motor all the way?

If it is a rack system, loosen the bolts on the rack to disengage the gear on the steering wheel spindle. That will let the helm turn freely. Make an adjustment with the helm to compensate for the lack of a full lock. Tighten the bolts.

I'm sure there is a way to calculate how much you will have to move wheel but "Kentucky windage" and a little T/E should get the job done.

On a rotary system there should be a set screw that secures the cable to the helm pulley. Loosen it and adjust the wheel while the motor is kept immobile. More T/E.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Steering wheel turns 100% one way, but 75% the other....

I'd be willing to bet it's not out of adjustment, just a lot of crud gumming it up. The cable end where it goes through the tilt tube - you've got to get it out of there & clean it up.

 

[saltfisher]

Re: Steering wheel turns 100% one way, but 75% the other....

How easy is this to do? i would like to clean it up anyway, as when i put new lube in alot of brown old lube came out when i was turning the wheel.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Steering wheel turns 100% one way, but 75% the other....

if yours is like mine, it's not too easy - not complicated - but it's quite a bit of trouble. The main problem I had was getting enough clearance to pull the end all the way out where I could clean it.

 

[F_R]

Re: Steering wheel turns 100% one way, but 75% the other....

Depends on the boat. It's a matter of clearance to get the cable out of the tilt tube. Not at all unusual to have to lift the motor off the boat. BTW, that is a regular preventative maintenance item. If you don't do it you will someday be beating the cable out with a big hammer.