stiff steering - 70s outboard

[Steve Mahler]

I have a newly acquired 73 Starcraft trihull with stiff cable steering. Usable, but too stiff. I have read the archives about the difficulty in lubricating these systems, but I notice under the dash there are two tubes - one holding the cable, and a short one simply crimped off. Could I shoot some lube there?

Is there a way to lube the engine end of the assembly?

 

[drewpster]

Re: stiff steering - 70s outboard

First try to determine where the stiffness is coming from. I would disconnect the cable end at the engine and try the steering at the helm. If it feels stiff then it most likely the cable. If it feels ok it can be the pivot at the engine mount. There is most likely a grease fitting at that pivot point. Get a cheap grease gun and some marine grease and lube the pivot. Do not use wheel bearing grease, it can soak water and rust the works up.
If it turns out to be the cable I strongly recommend replacing it rather than lubing it. A steering component failure can be very dangerous on a boat for obvious reasons.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: stiff steering - 70s outboard

it sounds like a rotary helm, there should be a U shaped pin under there hanging from the helm. i goes into a hole in the side of the cable connection to release the cable, push the pin in, and turn wheel and cable will come out. then you can lube that end, then just thread back in, turning the wheel and make sure it locks in place. then you can remove the engine end, clean any rust, and lube it. this is a short term fix. when i get a restoration boat i usually just replace the complete system, rather than fuss with it.

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: stiff steering - 70s outboard

Thanks for the help so far, there is no motor on the boat now. I have briefly looked around and saw prices for the setup at 100 bucks or so. Hoping to avoid that

Can I replace just the cable, not the drum (helm?) and all the hardware?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: stiff steering - 70s outboard

there should be a number stamped on the black sheath of the cable, that replacement number.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: stiff steering - 70s outboard

here are the 2 common types of helms, rotary on top, rack is the bottom

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: stiff steering - 70s outboard

Mine is rotary, looks just like the upper photo. So I can just replace the cable, not the whole unit?

Thanks

 

[gejandsons]

Re: stiff steering - 70s outboard

Yes you can replace the cable only & it will be easier replace while the O/B is off the boat. If the black sheath is cracked on your cable it has gotten moisture inside.