98 Welcraft steering stuck

[tjrenegade]

I have a 1998 Welcraft 160 Open Fisher. The Steering wheel has become stuck. I took apart the steering at the outboard and the motor turns freely. So I assume the cable is rusted. How difficult is it to replace the cable. Am I better off taking to a shop for reapair? West Marine has replacement cables for aroun $95. Thats not to bad but if the labor isn't to much I would just assume have someone do it for me. I am pretty handy with tools but I don't want it to turn into a mess then have to take it in. Are there any online guides on the best way to replace the cable? I hate to just start taking things apart.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 98 Welcraft steering stuck

at $80-110 an hour i can do a lot of things. i didn't. which helm do you have, look under console. top is rotary, bottom is rack. rotary is the easiest to change. just release the pin and turn the wheel and cable comes out. then you have to get it out of the motor. that can be a struggle, especially if you don't have room to get the steering tube out. engine has to be lifted.

 

[F_R]

Re: 98 Welcraft steering stuck

Is the cable stuck where it goes through the tilt tube on the motor? That is the usual place and comes from neglect. Take the big nut loose that attaches the cable to the motor and find out if that is where it is stuck.

If that is where the problem is, you don't need a new cable. Unless you destroy it when trying to get it out of the tube. They are usually a real bear to get out. And if not enough clearance you have to remove the motor from the boat. You will learn new cuss words that you haven't even heard yet.

 

[tjrenegade]

Re: 98 Welcraft steering stuck

The tube came out of the motor easy. I was hoping it was just the tube but the steering is still stuck. I think I may need to lift the motor..not sure the tube is not out all the way.....maybe I can snap a few photos and post them.

I understand there is suppose to be some numbers on the cable to tel me the length and part number. Any idea where they may be found?

I have no idea what kind of steering it is....my guess is its rotary only because the helm is small and I don't think there is enough room for the other design. The biggest problem I see is feeding the new cable through the hull. I can use the old one as a guide to pull it through I assume.

 

[JB]

Re: 98 Welcraft steering stuck

Boat question

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 98 Welcraft steering stuck

will keep watching for pictures. the number is stamped on the black sheath.