Teleflex Steering connection help

[redxpuser]

Hi everyone,
I am trying to install teleflex steering to a Flatacraft force 3 rib.
I have an elderly Mercury 200 blueband 2o hp outboard that has never had remote steering before. The tiller arm has been removed, but it still leaves a large cast piece stiking out from below the powerhead which i dont seem to be able to find out how to remove.
I have fitted the teleflex cable ' through the tube', but the return section of the steering cable doesn't seem to fit anywhere !
Any suggestions welcomed, as I am a complete novice.
Andy

[Downhilldai]

Can you post a picture of the current set-up?

[9D280]

I don't know exactly which engine you are talking about, but based on a few assorted engines i've rebuilt, the tiller "lump" will probably be integral to the bottom of the engine, and so the best thing is to find / make a blanking plate for it. I have a Suzi 25 (early 90s vintage) and a late 60s / early 70s Johnson 25 both of which have that arrangement.

As for the connection to the link rod, there are two possibilities:
1)have a look in from the front under the cowling. you may find a cast lump with two holes facing forwards. That is where you bolt the other casting that forms the "tiller " and will poke out slighty ahead of the cowl. I haven't checked any microfiches, but I'll guess if it has that arrangement, the same tiller casting was probably used on numerous different engines of the time. You'll need to find or fabricate one to bolt on.
2)There may also be a slotted hole in the middle of the "carrying handle". Back then wire steering was more common, and so there were attatchements that bolted on there to which you attatched the wires. A bit like this: http://www.old-omc.de/e_1970/seite_12.jpg This conveniently shows what you could do in that situation - but bolt an angle to it which you can then bolt the link arm to the horizontal plate.

[redxpuser]

Thanks for the replies, I have added a couple of pictures to see if they will be any help,
regards, Andy

[9D280]

Yep, it's the "bolt on" version.

http://www.ishopmarine.com/ishop/jsp...=&eCatSupFldr=

Looks like it bolts to the underside of the powerhead, so may be more of a PITA to get at. On the plus side as it appears to be a bit of glorified flat plate, oyou may be able to fabricate something if you can't find a donor engine. At risk of being a pain, can you get the camera up underneath the front of the powerhead?

The tiller lump looks like it's only held on with three screws, however it's a big -ish looking lump so may also hold other things on. If it doesnlt, then should be easy to remove, however you will end up with a gaping hole in the casing!

[redxpuser]

Hi, thanks again for the messages and the link. With this help I think I can remove the offending bracket. Would I be correct in assuming the steering return arm HAS to be mounted to the centre of the engine to operate correctly ?
Eagerly awaiting your reply, will try to get some more pictures.

[Downhilldai]

Yes, it needs to be in the middle, or your link arm (which connects the end of the cable to the motor) would be too short/long and restrict the amount of steering motion you have in one direction.

Incidentally, the link arm shown in your photo has the rose joint missing from the end which connects to the motor.

[9D280]

.....unless you fabricate your own "bespoke" link arm.

[redxpuser]

I have the rose joint, it's just not attatched, as I am not sure how it goes together !!!
Can anyone do me a drawing please ?

[bigbadbob]

Originally Posted by redxpuser

Hi, thanks again for the messages and the link. With this help I think I can remove the offending bracket. Would I be correct in assuming the steering return arm HAS to be mounted to the centre of the engine to operate correctly ?
Eagerly awaiting your reply, will try to get some more pictures.

It may have to be off centre to stop it hitting the engine at full port lock. depends on the shape and length of the link arm.