[SailorGirl]

I received a 1974 whaler and the steering cable was broken/inoperatable. I had the cable replaced about 10-12 months ago.

The boat is in the water but not used as often as should be. After sitting for 6months, I went to start and turn the wheel. The wheel would not budge.

Clearly the cable is stuck inside the tube again. But instead of forcing it to turn and breaking the cable in the tube I'd like to try something to free it.

ANY suggestions would be very much appreciated!

[tschamp20]

un screw the big nut holding cable to motor.then use a 3lb sledge hammer to tape the cable back thru tube.may need a long bolt to finisn the job if real stuck.after its out use a 12gauge shotgun barrel cleaning brush and wd40 to clean out tube.then regrease with marine grease.hope it helps.

[tashasdaddy]

use a block of wood between hammer and end of cable.

[Walker]

And when you get her all cleaned up and working smoothly get one of these to prevent future problems.
http://www.iboats.com/Seachoice_Stee...--view_id.2952

[SailorGirl]

Thanks guys! I will try this over the weekend and report back. Very much appreciated. Walker: thanks for sending the link too. I'd like to sell her...but I'll pass the suggestion to the new owner.

Cheers

[mikesea]

before you hit the end of the cable,be sure there is a bolt through the steering arm or you will collapse the hole that the steering arm goes through,often if the cable isnt stuck to bad you can take a large vise grip and on the very end before the bolt hole grab the cable arm and you migt be able to rock it loose

[SailorGirl]

It’s been some time but I've finally been able to try what was suggested...and I'm stumped.

I loosened the large nut on the starboard side and was easily able to slide the cable in and out through the ‘splash well’ but only when turning starboard (and the cable is relatively clean)...but when I tried to turn the wheel to the port side it wouldn't budge.

I'm reading about hitting the 'end' of the cable...is the "end" on the port side that is connected to the bar that turns the motor? I've detached that bar and was able to easily turn the motor to the port side.

Before I start hitting away I want to make sure that I will be hitting the port side end into the splash well.

Any other suggestions or comments??

Thanks in advance

[tashasdaddy]

port side, retract the cable as far as you can. then start with the block of wood and hammer. when it is out, get a tilt tube brush, and clean the tube. you may have to move the motor to get it completely out.
http://www.saveonboating.com/proddet...prod=L168-TB10