Weird Steering Cable Size ???

[Kymasabe]

Hello all, took my steerin cable out today, jacket split and inner core came poking thru. Had to cut the motor end off the cable as I could not get it thru the steering tube. Now, I have a few questions:

1. how do I clean the inside of the steering tube as it seems like it's full of dried/stuck grease (from previous owner), covered with a nice layer of new/clean grease that I've been pumping in over the last few months?

2. Cable size question. I look in the iboats store and cable sizes are even foot lengths (10 ft, 11, foot, 12 foot, 15 ft, etc...). I measured mine and from metal end to metal end is 14'8" and from nut to nut, just measuring the outer jacket is 10'4" long. So, how are cables measured, the inner core or the outer jacket and why are mine odd sized and when I buy new should I bump up to the next nearest length.

3. Mine has an inner core and the steering wheel end has a spiral outer part wound around the inner cable core...is that rotary or rack-n-pinion? The cable seems to go thru some gearing under the steering wheel and the end of the cable goes into a clear plastic tube attached to the top of the gearing under the steering wheel.

Help!

 

[F_R]

Re: Weird Steering Cable Size ???

That is rotary steering
As I recall (I hope) it is measured nut to nut. But when I was doing them all the time I pulled one off the shelf and laid it alongside for confirmation.
There is a wire brush made for cleaning the tilt tube. I have a 5/8 reamer that I use for real bad ones. Otherwise, whatever you can dream up.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Weird Steering Cable Size ???

http://www.saveonboating.com/proddetail.asp?prod=L168-TB10

 

[ezeke]

Re: Weird Steering Cable Size ???

A 16 Gauge bore brush will do it. If you put the cleaning rod in a drill, it will take it down to clean metal quickly. 20 gauge is a little too small and the 16 is a little too large, but it will work. Use honing oil or similar.

 

[Kymasabe]

Re: Weird Steering Cable Size ???

Thanks ezeke !! Being an avid sportsman and shooter, I have a variety of bore brushes and cleaning rods. I don't have a 16 gauge brush but know exactly where to get one quickly tomorrow. Great cleaning tip, I never thought of that! Now if I could only figure out my cable size !!

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: Weird Steering Cable Size ???

Sounds like you have a Teleflex steering system. Been around for years, and cables are readily available. When in doubt, go with the next nearest size larger than the one you need. Also, somewhere on your cable, there may be a serial number embossed in the jacket itself. This will tell you what size it is; however, I think you measure the cable from nut to nut. This will be close enough.

PS. The 16 guage shotgun wire brush works great!

 

[ezeke]

Re: Weird Steering Cable Size ???

Most cables have the part number stamped into the shield within a few feet of the end. The lengths are part of the numbers.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Weird Steering Cable Size ???

measure from center of helm to side helm to transom, center of motor to side. add them up, go to next even foot.