I did a dumb thing!!

[oldrudedude]

I hoisted the motor off the boat and drove the trailer away from the motor without pulling the steering cable from the tilt tube. The cable pulled partly out then caught and now the end is bent.

Is there some way this can be straightened and returned to use?

 

[MAW31]

Re: I did a dumb thing!!

tempered steel can be relaxed and straightenned using acetelyn heat

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: I did a dumb thing!!

Yes--You did

 

[oldrudedude]

Re: I did a dumb thing!!

Yes--You did

Uhhh,.......I guess that's what makes you the SENIOR Chief Petty Officer.

 

[jonesg]

Re: I did a dumb thing!!

Thats an easy mistake, even I could do that.

 

[oldrudedude]

Re: I did a dumb thing!!

I managed to straighten the cable in a vise using a propane torch to heat the concave surface. A few sessions of heat with me leaning on it was enough to take out the major bend. The rest was accomplishedby inserting the end into the tilt tube and further tweaking until it was able to slide all the way through without binding.

 

[jeff_smith_0423]

Re: I did a dumb thing!!

Nice job. One thing I'm glad i got over was my fear of using heat. I finally had to tell myself "well, it'll be ruined if i don't try it" and just fire up the torch.

 

[oldrudedude]

Re: I did a dumb thing!!

Nice job. One thing I'm glad i got over was my fear of using heat. I finally had to tell myself "well, it'll be ruined if i don't try it" and just fire up the torch.

That's right. I had nothing to lose.

 

[14ftgrumman]

Re: I did a dumb thing!!

Once something is broke, you can't do anymore damage.

The alternative would be to buy new, but once something is broke, you can't break it anymore.

 

[Jeff_G]

Re: I did a dumb thing!!

Personally I would get a new cable. The output end is not a solid piece. You could have cracked the inner core even. Broken steering is the one thing on a boat that can kill you.
But hey that's just my personal opinion. I never take a chance with steering.

 

[oldrudedude]

Re: I did a dumb thing!!

Personally I would get a new cable. The output end is not a solid piece. You could have cracked the inner core even. Broken steering is the one thing on a boat that can kill you.
But hey that's just my personal opinion. I never take a chance with steering.

Lots of things on a boat can kill you. Mostly not paying due attention to the condition of the vessel or the surroundings. It is a hostile environment. If you have an extra $300 for steering, I am happy for you. I don't. The repaired steering cable will due just fine. It is still secure. The inner tube was not damaged. The cable core is a cable. It is designed to bend.

 

[Jeff_G]

Re: I did a dumb thing!!

Sure do what you want. I just voiced my opinion.
BTW the inner part of the output end is not flexible nor a cable.
I don't know where you buy your parts but a new cable is less than $100. Please keep in mind many read posts like yours and may follow your lead.
Call Teleflex and ask them what they think.

 

[oldrudedude]

Re: I did a dumb thing!!

What is this "smoke" you are referring to?