Hard Steering and other issues

[masonburdette]

I just purchased a 1971 Reinell RV-1900 with an Evinrude 115hp 115083d. The motor runs strong and is easy to start. I have two problems though. 1) The hydraulic steering is hard to turn. It's like when your car power steering goes out (maybe not quite as bad, but close) 2) I have no reverse although it feels as though it shifts into gear. As an added note I am new to boating and a complete novice; also disabled so I can't lift motors etc. However I would like any help you could give. One more thing NO power items work (ie lights, bilge, horn) although I did run a fish finder all the way to battery ok. Checked fuses and they appear OK. There is a local automotive electric shop nearby (would I take it to him or boat repair facility?). Thanks in advance.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Hard Steering and other issues

I moved your post to a new thread instead of the ancient one you dug up.

First, it is unlikely you have hydraulic steering. Your steering cable is probably seizing up. This is not unusual, they are a wear item and it probably needs to be replaced. Your lack of reverse could just be a cable adjustment. As for your electrical issues, old outboard boats are usually pretty simple wiring-wise. Think Lionel train layout with some fuses added. I'd recommend you do some troubleshooting on your own as opposed to paying an expensive hourly rate at an auto electric place.

 

[masonburdette]

Re: Hard Steering and other issues

I was just advised that my steering probably is NOT hydraulic although it looks like rods coming out of the left stern to turn. I was told it is most likely still a push/pull cable system.

 

[masonburdette]

Re: Hard Steering and other issues

Thanks EZMOBEE. I spoke with a local marine repair guy; he advised me the same as you on the electrical, maybe something simple, since nothing in the front works. However I have electronic shift and he advised that I possibly could have a bad clutch/gear assembly, which he said would cost me more than I paid for the boat, motor and trailer. Could it still be a cable? I will be looking up the parts I need for the steering cable and getting one ordered. BTW I am finding that MANY marine repair folks will not work on the two strokes anymore; I guess I'm an ancient dinosaur.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Hard Steering and other issues

So I'm assuming your motor is a '71 also or thereabouts? In 1973 Johnson/Evinrude went to mechanical shifting. The electric shift system was a fine system but as you've found out, there are some no longer available parts for it including the shifting solenoids in the lower unit and the switches in the control box. The first thing you want to do is change the lower unit oil and make sure it is refilled with Type C http://www.iboats.com/Mallory-Gear-...2146396--**********.003014111--view_id.363758 oil. Standard lower unit gear lube will not work in electric shift units and will cause it to possibly not shift. If that doesn't fix it, put a post up in the Johnson/Evinrude section of this web site and there are some gurus in there who are more familiar with the system than I am and can advise you on some testing you can do to determine if the solenoids are bad or if it's a fixable wiring issue. Could be as simple as a wire getting pinched off in the motor's mid section or something like that.