Fozen shaft cable stuck inside tilt tube.

[mlcatlopez]

Does anyone know how I can pull out the steering cable from the tilt tube? I have a 30hp motor, mounted to a 13' boston whaler. Any good suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Fozen shaft cable stuck inside tilt tube.

Assuming you have taken the linkage loose and the Nut off the tube that retains it(The Big One).?? If so, you may need to use some penetrating oil and some persuasion to break it loose. Shoot some oil where ever you can get to and let it sit overnight. If you can put grease into the fittings, that would help also. Then try again in the morning. Try tapping it out with a hammer and see if it moves. If this fails, apply a little heat with a propane torch to the tube, back and forth movement, and try to pull or knock it out. Should come out!

 

[mlcatlopez]

Re: Fozen shaft cable stuck inside tilt tube.

Thanks Rick<br /><br />So far I've filled the grease fittings, applied WD40 to the exposed shaft only and I heated the tilt tube with a torch. So today I will try and see if I can remove the grease fillings and fill the holes with WD40. <br /><br />Rick <br /><br />Someone told me that if you hit the cable shaft with a hammer that it might mushroom on the other end and it will never come out. What are your thoughts?

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: Fozen shaft cable stuck inside tilt tube.

Use a block of wood or a brass rod... their right. When you get the new one in...take it out each year and grease it up. I hope the tube it's in is not rusted/corroded out...take your time.

 

[mlcatlopez]

Re: Fozen shaft cable stuck inside tilt tube.

OK! I finally removed the tilt tube from the motor, but I can't seem to unscrew the the cable from the tilt tube. I've lubricated the shaft of the cable with WD40 and sat it in an upright position until tomorrow. Hopefully the WD40 will help loosen it up. Any suggestions?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Fozen shaft cable stuck inside tilt tube.

Are you talking about the nut that retains the cable in the tube? If so, you're on the right track by letting it soak. Hold the cable housing with channel locks while trying to turn nut gently until it moves. If it does'nt, try more oil and let it soak some more.

 

[mlcatlopez]

Re: Fozen shaft cable stuck inside tilt tube.

Yes!Thats exactly what I mean. Today I purchased penetrating oil for the purpose of soaking the tube and cable in a bath of oil. I hope it works.

 

[mlcatlopez]

Re: Fozen shaft cable stuck inside tilt tube.

Update! <br />Just wanted to let you know that I fianlly separated the tilt tube from the steering cable. I took a piece of clothes hanger and made it into a hook, I then got some steel wool and my drill and clean the inside of the tube. Its pretty clean but I did notice that there were some pitted spots inside the tube. Do you think if I pack it with Lithium grease, it will hold up? Should I use a different lubrican for the steering cable? Please share your thoughts.

 

[mlcatlopez]

Re: Fozen shaft cable stuck inside tilt tube.

Merry Christmas indeed!<br /><br />I finally got everything in order. I removed the cable from the tilt tube, then cleaned the inside of the tube, greased and re-installed. The steering is as smooth as butter, but I couldn't have done it without the help of all of you. Thank you and Merry Christmas!<br /><br />Mila