Stiff steering - need to fix before ERR

Humber boy · 18 April 2016, 02:55

Hi everyone. I'm having some boat issues. It's a 5.8. I took it for its first test run this week. The stearing is so heavy that I can't risk Easdale unless I get it sorted. Now I have an 135 Hp Yamaha 2 stroke. I have took the cables and helm of and I've just measured it. It's coming in at 15 and a half ft. Can any one help me out please. Because I'm on eBay and there's no half a ft sizes. Is it me doing it wrong. I measured it end to end that encluded the we Spring bit at the end of it. So I'm also want to buy new helm. Can any one help me out please with what not to buy ect. And I hope to see everyone in 2 weeks

Humber boy · 18 April 2016, 03:10

Hi. Also forgot to say. The stearing is a bit tight to the rite and to the left feels like it's got to snap it's that solid. And also it has 2 in of play left to rite before it starts to turn.

Poly · 18 April 2016, 07:19

I've moved you to a new thread where you are likely to be read by more people.

I assume you have a teleflex style steering (a spiral "plastic" part that moves up and down inside an outer, and makes a "piston" at the end extend)?

Usually the cable fails and the helm unit is OK, unless you try to force the helm to free up a stiff cable. I'd just pop in to whichever outboard place is most convenient for you: Ferry Marine (Livingston); Bosun's Locker (S. Qfry); Yampower (Glasgow) [or Mitchell, or Clyde if you are going that far West at all]. Take the old one with you and they should be able to match you up.

steco1958 · 18 April 2016, 09:06

Are you sure its the cable ??

Disconnect, does the engine move freely, is the cable still stiff ? would be my 1st port of call

Chris · 18 April 2016, 14:47

135hp is a big lump to move on cable steering IMO...

paintman · 18 April 2016, 16:52

Disconnect the cables from the engine. Does the wheel now turn freely or still stiff?
As said above, does the engine move freely with them disconnected?
I'm assuming that the engine ends of the cables run through tubes in the engine mounting? Likelihood is that old grease & crap has built up & they're seized or partially seized. They need cleaning out on a regular basis.
If that's the case you may need to knock them out. Use plenty of penetrating fluid (not WD40, Duck Oil or PlusGas are much better) a block of wood to protect the ends & don't go mad.
You might find that one of the tubes has been damaged & is now too tight. In that case - and it will also help if the crud is solid - an expanding reamer will be the answer.
(Mine is a 135hp Mercury with twin steering cables. Guess how I learnt the above?)

BTW DO NOT try & get things moving by forcing the steering wheel as you are very likely to break the helm & will have to buy a new one.

ETA This might be worth a read: http://www.rib.net/forum/f36/siezed-steering-67975.html

Sea_dog · 19 April 2016, 18:16

Google a place called nautequipe. There very helpful and carry a good range of rotary helms and cables at a very reasonable cost and a sharp delivery. I've used them over the years for a lot, if I was in any doubt over my steering I'd change it out ASAP.