Are all tilt tubes the same size?

[BonairII]

I just installed a new Uflex Racktech steering system in my "67 Glasspar and I've just realized that the original tilt tube will NOT fit the new cable. This old tube is threaded on the INSIDE and the new cable has a nut that threads onto tilt tubes that have threads on the outside of the tube(which I assume is standard now).

I've been searching ebay for a used tilt tube and am lost on what I need. Some of the ads say "Mercury tilt tube" or "Evinrude tube" etc etc....are the threaded ends pretty much standard size on most tilt tubes?

Update: Just talked to uflex, agent said the inside diameter of the nut is 7/8ths and threads are "14 UNF". I have no idea what UNF means. I was expecting a "threads per inch" number. After googling the "UNF" I found out that it equates to 12tpi(I think).

 

[etracer68]

Re: Are all tilt tubes the same size?

Unitfied Fine Thread (in short)= UNF, and 14UNF= 14 threads per inch

 

[Bondo]

Re: Are all tilt tubes the same size?

Ayuh,.... As I said in This other thread of yer's about this issue,...

You can reuse the hardware you have,...
Yer motor, obviously doesn't use the type of tilt tube, that can be used for steering...
Yer's Only tilts...

Yer picture shows it as a stand-off style system...
Back when that ole johnny-rude was new, things were done differently.....

 

[BonairII]

Re: Are all tilt tubes the same size?

Ayuh,.... As I said in This other thread of yer's about this issue,...

You can reuse the hardware you have,...
Yer motor, obviously doesn't use the type of tilt tube, that can be used for steering...
Yer's Only tilts...

Yer picture shows it as a stand-off style system...
Back when that ole johnny-rude was new, things were done differently.....

I started another thread because tilt tube became the issue and I figured this thread would get more views.

I'm not understanding the whole "Yer's only tilts" thing. What else does a tilt tube do? Do newer tubes telescope also? This is first time I've ever dealt with steering systems so I have no idea what I need to complete my setup.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Are all tilt tubes the same size?

The link below will show you some but not all the various parts/pieces needed to connect the steering cable to your motor.

http://www.iboats.com/Teleflex-Steer...-view_id.47748

The part called "support tube" is needed to provide a clamping point for the cable without crushing it. It screws into the big nut on the end of the cable. The "clamp block" is designed to be mounted on the transom and the support tube is clamped into it AFTER you have established the center-point of movement of the telescopic ram end of the cable. Once clamped, you should have full movement of the motor in both directions. Your picture in the other thread shows an early version of the clamp block and support tube that possibly will mate with your new cable. Be sure to scroll down the link page to see all the different parts.

The piece that is not shown in the link is a bracket that bolts to the motor's carrying handle and provides a tiller arm for the steering system. The connection between the the tiller arm bracket and the telescopic ram is a clevis kit that prevents the steering from binding during the full range of tilt and turns. What you have on the telescopic ram end of the cable obviously has worked for 45 years and probably will work with your new cable. I will try to post a picture of what Teleflex previously sold for this purpose. Good luck!

EDIT: Not sure if the forum's attachment feature is working, so if no picture appears here, send me a PM with your email address and I will reply with the picture attached to that message. FYI, the only info I have is for OMC 40HP and below motors. The kit for the old OMC V-4's looks the same but is thicker SS material. Note how it is mounted toward the motor, not toward the bow like your old one!

 

[BonairII]

Re: Are all tilt tubes the same size?

I just ordered the tube(already have a clamp) that I hope will work. It's the tube that is part of "S38" on the Uflex page.
http://uflexusa.ultraflexgroup.com/articoli.asp?sart=221&art=491

Only $10, but cost $12 for shipping.

I have one connector that came off the old steering setup. It's a spring loaded pivot thingy. Not sure how to attach it to the end of the cable ram yet. I may take a piece of threaded rod and heat/bend it and screw it into the end of the connector.

The old steering ram was threaded on the end so that connector screwed directly to the ram.

While I was screwing around trying to figure out a solution to the tilt tube situation, I just attached the ram to the motor with a bolt.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Are all tilt tubes the same size?

Here's an idea that may work at least temporarily
Find a grade 8 bolt that will thread into the piece that used to thread on to your old steering cable end.... remove the existing bracket from the motor and bolt that piece to the carry handle.... then put the other piece in the end of the cable

 

[BonairII]

Re: Are all tilt tubes the same size?

Here's an idea that may work at least temporarily
Find a grade 8 bolt that will thread into the piece that used to thread on to your old steering cable end.... remove the existing bracket from the motor and bolt that piece to the carry handle.... then put the other piece in the end of the cable

Not sure I follow. Are u saying to attach the nipple looking end to the ram and bolt the spring loaded receiver to the motor?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Are all tilt tubes the same size?

yep.... I wouldn't consider it a long term solution at all and I wouldn't trust it but for testing/design it would at least let you cycle the steering

 

[BonairII]

Re: Are all tilt tubes the same size?

Update:
I think I've got the steering somewhat under control now. I modified a steering bracket off my parts motor and it's seems to work pretty well.

I'm curious if my steering radius is too short. Check out this video and let me know what you think.(the "travel' isn't perfectly centered yet)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D22nDnLa_Y

 

[Cheetah 210es]

Re: Are all tilt tubes the same size?

UNF = Unified National Fine
UNC = Unified National Course
UNEF = Unified National Extra Fine
Basically a metric thread expressed as an imperial fraction.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Are all tilt tubes the same size?

I'm curious if my steering radius is too short. Check out this video and let me know what you think.(the "travel' isn't perfectly centered yet)

I watched the video twice but cannot determine if the steering wheel is reaching its limits on each side OR if the motor is hitting the mechanical stops. Can you provide more info? As for the radius, I can tell you that bracket you used does not place the clevis pin/bolt close enough to the motor's pivot shaft and the turning radius is being affected based on my experience with the Teleflex part.

 

[BonairII]

Re: Are all tilt tubes the same size?

As for the radius, I can tell you that bracket you used does not place the clevis pin/bolt close enough to the motor's pivot shaft

Bingo. You were absolutely correct. I bolted a flange on the existing bracket. Now the pivot point for the steering ram is under the front of the motor. I now have full turn radius in both directions.

Thanks.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Are all tilt tubes the same size?

Sounds great! FYI, in a trailering situation with the motor tilted up, it is possible to damage the telescopic ram end of the cable if the motor is turned to that side because the motor's integral carrying handle may not clear. Good luck!