Best Steering Cable Lubricant for Cold Conditions

[justbehindit]

I snapped the steering cable on my 1982 StarCraft (Johnson 70 hp outboard) yesterday while out attempting to go duck hunting. Temps were around 10 with a strong wind. Everything froze up, even our footprints on the boat carpet.

I will be cleaning the old grease out of the cable housing, replacing a bent rod, and replacing the cable. What is the optimal cable grease to use for cold weather applications? Outside of some fishing, the boat is primarily a duck boat and global warming notwithstanding it does get mighty cold up here in Michigan. The boat has to be stored outside.

 

[Bob Gilvary]

Re: Best Steering Cable Lubricant for Cold Conditions

I won't go out on a limb and suggest any type of grease, because it's the water in your steering system that freezes, and yes the grease gets stiff.

For extreme conditions such as your northern duck hunting, you might try a small propane heater. I saw one recently that was like those large ones that mount to a 20# propane tank, only this one was a smaller version that used those smaller tanks that a hand held torch uses.

I know, gasoline and a glowing propane element. It would certainly call for extreme common sense, if you were to apply this.

 

[Kainon]

Re: Best Steering Cable Lubricant for Cold Conditions

I've used a MAPP Gas Tank with a Propane Torch Tip (gets real hot real quick) it will discolor the steering tube but it may be your only solution vs removing the tube, they are replaceable. We use a brass rod to hammer it out.​

 

[Bob Gilvary]

Re: Best Steering Cable Lubricant for Cold Conditions

This is the type heater I was referring to

http://www.gasheaterstore.com/Mr-He...-Indoor-Safe-Portable-Propane-Heater_p_6.html