stuck steering

[renoduckman]

I have a Whaler with a 1988 80hp merc. While trying to replace the steering system, i have created a monster. I can not get the steering cable out of the tube part of the engine? I was given advice that might be bad to drive the cable end out by soaking in oil and trying to drive it out with a hammer. I guess i should have stopped. It moved for awhile but hard. Noiw that the cable end is allmost flush with the tube it seems to have stoped moveing all together. I thought it might get eaiser as i was going becasue the back of the cable insert had started to come out the other side of the motor tilt tube? Now it acts like it wont move at all? IM kind of running out of ideas for this? If i can not get it out then i guess the only option will be to replace the whole tilt tube? I thought about trying to cut the cable and drive it back out the other way but i dont know if this will help? Any advice this must be a common problem? Joe

 

[Chris1956]

Re: stuck steering

The steering rod is a tight fit. Of you have mushroomed the end of the cable, it will get tighter. See if you can hammer on the big nut to drive it back in. if so, you can file off the steering rod "mushroom". I like to loosen them up so you can pull them out without tools. Use a pipe wrench to rock the steering rod back and forth, using penetrating oil, until it is loose enough to move with the steering wheel. Now clean and lube it until it is completely loose.

 

[renoduckman]

Re: stuck steering

Hi i must have bent the rod when trying to drive it out. Becoming a problem here. I guess the next step is to replace the tilt tube. Any one have any advice on that? Thanks Joe

 

[j_martin]

Re: stuck steering

Hi i must have bent the rod when trying to drive it out. Becoming a problem here. I guess the next step is to replace the tilt tube. Any one have any advice on that? Thanks Joe

Back off a bit, cool down, it'll get better.

If the eye hole is still visible, put a bolt through it with a nut, hook a slide hammer on it, and tap it back out of the tube.

Then go nuts on it with a file to cut the diameter down for the few inches. Smooth it off with emery paper, and try again to tap it through.

To replace the tilt tube, you'll have to rig up on the engine with a lifting eye and directly overhead lifting aparatus, (engine hoist, comealong and oak tree, or whatever. With the far nut off, the whole works should drive off. The tube can be mushroomed, also, and it will damage bushings if it is, so don't get mad at it.

hope it helps
john

 

[renoduckman]

Re: stuck steering

Hi, thanks for the help. I have been on this back and fourth for a few days now. But im affraid i have the end jammed inside so much i cant get it to come back out either direction now. My fault for hitting it too much. But i did get the nut of the out side of the tilt tube and the tilt tube moves left and right and rotates easy. So i am hopeing this will not be a hard change? Im going to have to order a new tilt tube soon. The only other idea is some way to attach the steering externally with out using the inside of the tilt tube. Im guessin other people have had this issue before and there must be some way to do it. My merc has 4 threaded holes on the front that looks like somethin might be able to hoook up there and hook up a sterring that way? But it is probably more trouble then replaceing the tilt tube. Any advice will be helpfull. Joe

 

[renoduckman]

Re: stuck steering

Just in case i have to, and im hopeing i dont have to remove the engine, where is the lifting point for this old 88 80hp Merc i have? My Johnson 40 on my old boat had a hook under the cover but not this Merc. Thanks Joe

 

[Chris1956]

Re: stuck steering

sounds like you will need a new steering cable, and perhaps a new tilt tube. You may as well cut the steering cable on the starboard side. Perhaps you can drive the steering rod out of the tilt tube with a 1/2" or 5/8" bolt. Maybe you can save the tilt tube.

If not, it those Mercs have a lift eye that screws into the flywheel.

 

[renoduckman]

Re: stuck steering

Thanks, i see that now. Seems odd to hang the engine from that point!
I have the new teleflex steering system and im now waiting for the new tilt tube and nutts to arrive. I appreciate any info from anyone on here who has actually changed a tilt tube, especially on an older Merc like i have. I have the nut loose and the tube rotates easy and slides left and right so at least it is not stuck in the bracket. Thanks Joe

 

[j_martin]

Re: stuck steering

Thanks, i see that now. Seems odd to hang the engine from that point!
I have the new teleflex steering system and im now waiting for the new tilt tube and nutts to arrive. I appreciate any info from anyone on here who has actually changed a tilt tube, especially on an older Merc like i have. I have the nut loose and the tube rotates easy and slides left and right so at least it is not stuck in the bracket. Thanks Joe

Actually that point is the only point on the engine that could reasonably be expected to take a lift, especially if something is stuck a bit.

With the engine supported by the flywheel lifting adapter, the old tilt tube should just slip or easily drive out, and the new one slides or easily taps in.

hope it helps
John

 

[renoduckman]

Re: stuck steering

Thanks for the input and advice. Im waiting for the new tilt tube to arrive. Will update when i have more info and start on the job .Joe