Mercruiser steering locked

[getnitdun]

I have a 1979 Dixie bowrider with a mercruiser 898. My steering cable is one with the pivot block it's supposed to slide in and out of. The power assist has long ago been disabled. We have the cable and guide tube out of the boat and are about to have one last battle to free up the mess. I have read many threads on Iboats and have gained a better insight into this dilemma as a result. Kudos to great advisors. This is truly a great forum for DIY'ers like me.I guess my query is about the actual corrosion going on inside that aluminum guide tube. I read on one post reply that it was actually old gunked up grease and dirt and heat would melt the grease. Any specific advice regarding how the heating and twisting and cursing procedure should go would greatly be appreciated. Thanks

Paul S.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Mercruiser steering locked

What are you trying to do here... replace the lower shift cable?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser steering locked

I guess my query is about the actual corrosion going on inside that aluminum guide tube. I read on one post reply that it was actually old gunked up grease and dirt and heat would melt the grease. Any specific advice regarding how the heating and twisting and cursing procedure should go would greatly be appreciated.

Ayuh,... Take the aluminum Tube right Out, so you can work on it...
I'd start with solvent,+ a round metal Brush, like a plumber's brush...

Using Heat can cause more problems than it helps sometimes..

Does the helm,+ cable move Freely when disconnected,..??

 

[getnitdun]

Re: Mercruiser steering locked

Thanks,Bondo,for your reply. The end of the steering cable is pretty much 'WELDED" TO THE GUIDE TUBE. . i HAVE THE WHOLE MESS FLOPPED OVER THE SIDE OF THE BOAT AND ON A WORKMATE WITH A VISE.(sorry for the caps lock) I am hoping that the heat applied to the aluminum tube with care will help loosen up some of the gunk freezing it up. I guess my worse case scenario is a used guide tube with the steering connector(since mine will never come off the end of the cable,and a used cable. Salvage yard owner will charge me $80 for the whole shooting match. I just hate to even spend that much if I can get the old one working. Even though we're the superior beings it seems these mechanical iventions of ours can quite handily kick our DIY butts.. Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser steering locked

Salvage yard owner will charge me $80 for the whole shooting match. I just hate to even spend that much if I can get the old one working.

Ayuh,... I'd Hate to do that Too...
A Brand New Helm,+ Cable is only about $100....