1994 70hp Force Stiff Steering...

[Diverkyle]

Hello everyone...

I have a 1994 70hp Force on a 17 bay boat. Engine runs awesome. Steering has stiffened up, especially turning left. I am going to replace it and read may posts on the proceedure. Motor is free, steering wheel is free, but cable is stiff. Cable is the culprit, so it is getting replaced.

My question is, should I replace the tilt/steering tube while I have it apart. If so, is there a specific part for the force tilt tube, or do I use a teleflex support tube found on most parts sites ( http://www.discountmarinesupplies.com/Connection_Equipment-TELEFLEX_ALUMINUM_SUPPORT_TUBE.html ).

Any suggestions would be a great help.

Thanks,
Kyle

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: 1994 70hp Force Stiff Steering...

You can ream and clean out the tube.

It should then work fine.

Save your Money.

The Marine Doctor

 

[Matthew A.]

Re: 1994 70hp Force Stiff Steering...

The tilt tube or the steering cable tube that the cable end attaches to the transome mounting brackets? If it's the tube for the steering cable, should you clean it out and reuse it, be sure to replace the small o-ring that is located inside the the end of the tube where the cable end passes through the tube and connects to the linkage arm. The o-ring is critical for preventing corrosion of the cable end and tube. I also installed a zerk/grease fitting on the tube about an inch or so from the o-ring. Because the zerk fitting can be easily pulled out of the tube while attempting to grease it, to prevent this from happening I drilled a small hole in the middle of a hose clamp just big enough for the end of the zerk fitting to fit through and then tightened the hose clamp over the zerk and around the tube. No more stripped out zerk fitting female threads.

 

[Diverkyle]

Re: 1994 70hp Force Stiff Steering...

Thanks for the replies. I bit the bullet and replaced the steering cable. I found a new teleflex for $81.00. I removed the steering tube, put a bottle brush on my drill and cleaned it as best I could. O-rings was replaced too. Assembly went well, but helm unit had a couple of sheered teeth. Replaced it and everything worked like a champ.
Boat ran great sunday... for a while anyways. I'll leave that for another post though.

Thanks again.