motor turns on its own and takes the steering wheel with it

[bob johnson]

this isn't a torque steer ( I don't think) , because it happens at idle ...if I am idleing along at the slowest speed possible the motor wants to turn all the way to starboard and the boat takes a hard right turn.... is it possible the motor isn't mounted level? is there a tensioner that can limit that??? I originally thought it might be torque steer, but it can even happen with the motor off and the engine slightly off center to the starboard side, it just "falls" on it own all the way....


second question.... and ill look through the book today at some point...but the motor pushes the boat too fast at idle.... id really like to idle slower than I am...as it is , I have to shift forward then shift to neutral several times to make my way to a spot such as putting it on a trailer....so I need to drop that idle. The rpms look to be about 750 - 800...

thanks

bob

 

[F_R]

Speaking of your 175?? Could it just gravity and the weight of the motor when it is partially tilted up? It must be steering might easy. I'm not aware of any tensioner.

 

[bob johnson]

Speaking of your 175?? Could it just gravity and the weight of the motor when it is partially tilted up? It must be steering might easy. I'm not aware of any tensioner.

yes it is a 1997 Johnson ocean runner( the power head is a FAST STRIKE but that shouldn't matter) 175 hp... when I parked the boat I titled the motor to the port side and it stays....but when running this thing wants to turn my boat hard right!!! I cant let go of the steering wheel or the motor starts to turn right away.

it is a brand new steering cable

bob

 

[F_R]

If it bugs you badly enough you could always change it to Non-Feedback or Hydraulic steering. Sold here at iboats

BTW, if it steers that easily, how is the stability at high speeds? Could be dangerous.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Does it steer to starboard when underway if you let go of the steering wheel? If so, you may need to adjust the trim tab.

 

[fhhuber]

Behind and above the prop is (should be) a trim tab to help reduce the effect with the prop turning.
adjust it a LITTLE at a time...
You should be able to get most of the load off the steering wheel when moving at least.

 

[bob johnson]

this happens when I am idling!!!..... I would have thought it was the trim tab when I was at speed....but it happens when I am going as slow as I possibly can...basically from vibration !!!

bob

 

[oldboat1]

sounds like vibration effect, like you mention. May have a tension adjustment at the steering wheel, and slightly more tension there might help.

 

[flyingscott]

Normal the motor always wants to pull one way no matter the speed usually you can adjust the steering tension somehow. Because you are in gear steering torque is there just a lesser amount. How many steering cables are there you should have 2. F_R is right if it steers that easy it is dangerous at speed.

 

[WernerF]

Engine spins clockwise. The backlash of the acceleration pulses overcome the steering's friction and makes the motor turn counterclockwise, i.e. steer to starboard.
Some steerings have adjustable friction.

 

[bob johnson]

so I need to find out where those adjustments are.. I have had several boats and none turned so easily on their own like this one.....should I be looking under the dash at the helm, or on the motor midsection

 

[flyingscott]

How many steering cables do you have on the motor.

 

[bob johnson]

How many steering cables do you have on the motor.

one......it is a SeaStar-Teleflex Rack system... I used the boats old steering helm and bought a new cable ....

bob

 

[oldboat1]

steering friction adjustment can be under the wheel at the hub. Teleflex, I think, is a plastic stem underneath.

 

[flyingscott]

Pretty sure you can't do that not even sure it's legal. I think anything over 125 has to have a dual cable steering or hydraulic. If it's the straight rack I don't think it's even rated for a motor that big. You need to fix that problem first right now it's just unsafe. Check with the dealer but I am pretty sure you need a dual cable system or hydraulic. What hp is your boat rated for

 

[oldboat1]

Take a look underneath the wheel, Bob, and see what you have in the helm area. Assemblies and styles differ over the years.

 

[bob johnson]

Pretty sure you can't do that not even sure it's legal. I think anything over 125 has to have a dual cable steering or hydraulic. If it's the straight rack I don't think it's even rated for a motor that big. You need to fix that problem first right now it's just unsafe. Check with the dealer but I am pretty sure you need a dual cable system or hydraulic. What hp is your boat rated for

boat is rated for 240 hp!!!!!!!!!!!!!! its from the early 80's

the teleflex Rack System is rated for 50 mph...my top speed is about 45 mph....

I don't have an issue at speed so much.. this happens even when I am idleing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bob

 

[flyingscott]

Well Good luck with your boat. I can't help you with something I think is unsafe and already has a rigging issue.

 

[Faztbullet]

Hey Bob......Just tighten the friction screw and if it has a deep bow in front bump the trim up a few times.

 

[Fed]

Too much negative trim.