chrysler steering question

[HARTLEY]

I have a 72 or 73 chrysler bass runner 16 with a 55hp outboard on her. I am in the process of getting it ready to hit the water and the engine would not turn with the steering wheel. I read a ton of threads here, so I took the bolt out of the steering rod going to the motor and the motor then turned freely both ways(big sigh of relief!) I then unscrewed the rod going into the cylinder under the steering wheel and when I turned the steering wheel the rod moved freely back an forth so I know it is most likely the cable is stuck somewhere. Any way I tried to unscrew the cable at the transom end and it is rusted pretty good so I sprayed with some foaming lube and going to try it again tonight after work. I know it is not original steering mechanism as it looks pretty knew and there is still a sticker on it that I cant read and I looked for some numbers on the cable cover but could not find any there either.
My question is what type of steering is on it? When I looked at the kits to replace the rack type steering the piece that goes under the steering wheel looks flat. I have not fully pulled the part going into the cylinder out yet so I dont know what it looks like.
Thanks for any help in advance,
Chris

 

[HARTLEY]

Re: chrysler steering question

anybody?????

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: chrysler steering question

If you have the cylindrical rack and pinion steering, it is most likely Mercury Ride Guide. Teleflex makes the steering cables but the problem is that the cable costs around 100 bucks and a whole new rotary helm costs (starting)around 150. Square tube rack comes as a rack and cable assembly and is not serviceable.

In the set up with the old 55 hp engines, usually, the cable end is slightly higher on the engine end than at the transom connection. Water runs down it when splashed while underway and rain gets in there too. The steering cable is piano wire and it rusts. Your chances of freeing it are slim to none and slim just left the building. So the question becomes: Do you want to buy a new cable or a whole new helm?

In the future, keep it well greased and buy one of those ends that seal out the water--they cost around 25-30 bucks but will save you money in the long run.

 

[HARTLEY]

Re: chrysler steering question

Yes correct it is angled slightly down from the engine and the covering was old and cracked so no help there. So I can use either a rotary or rack system to replace the old one thats in it?
Thanks for the help!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: chrysler steering question

If you have the room, rack, or rotary--whatever gives you the best value. For a small boat and engine, it's not critical and the engine end is standard.

Be aware that you will need to measure the old cable--they are sold in 1 foot increments. If by some chance you measure an odd amount more than a foot, round up to the next foot length.

 

[HARTLEY]

Re: chrysler steering question

Thanks Frank!