Springs for old cable & pulley steering

[baytonemus]

I've read several of the really helpful threads about how to replace and repair an old cable, pulley, & drum steering system. I'm about to start in on that, but I've got a couple of questions about the springs used in these systems. Somewhere along the way these springs in my boat must have been abandoned.

My dad installed and repaired a lot of these back in the 50s & 60s when he and my grandpa had a Johnson/Evinrude and Crestliner dealership. He says that they were usually installed between the motor mounting bracket and the two pulleys at the center rear of the boat. However, all of the pictures I've seen on this forum show them mounted to the inside of the side walls somewhere and at least partially concealed.

I've found these springs available through iboats, but I can't quite tell how they would be connected on the back end. Is there a loop that will be drawn out the end with the hooks, or would you just attach one the hooks themselves?

Thanks!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Springs for old cable & pulley steering

Terrible pictures but this is where mine were mounted (splashwell in each corner near where the cable comes in)

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/Boat Project/Before.jpg

Pulleys on the motor visible here http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/Boat Project/?action=view&current=F0010.jpg

I later converted to a modern single cable system which was so much better. It would probably run you about $200 if you wanted to do that.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Springs for old cable & pulley steering

This is how mine were attached.

(click to enlarge)

 

[baytonemus]

Re: Springs for old cable & pulley steering

Thanks, guys. What about the end of the springs that will attach to the side of the boat, though? Do you know what I'm asking? Not sure if I explained that very well.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Springs for old cable & pulley steering

Maybe this will help

 

[Ned L]

Re: Springs for old cable & pulley steering

Yep, woodonglass has it right. I also think that the illustration of the spring in Iboats is not quite correct. the long "U" hooks should go though the spring 'one from each end' so that you have a 'U' sticking out each end to attach to.

 

[baytonemus]

Re: Springs for old cable & pulley steering

That makes sense! Now I get it. Thanks.

 

[baytonemus]

Re: Springs for old cable & pulley steering

I finally had a chance to get the steering hooked up this evening with the springs plus new cable and a couple of new pulleys. I wasn't sure how much tension to put on the springs so I settled on what seemed like a "moderate" amount. The steering is definitely a bit stiffer than it was without the springs. How is it supposed to feel? Seems kind of tight right now.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Springs for old cable & pulley steering

Wait till you get her on the water. Then see how it feels. It should be a totally different Ball Game!!!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Springs for old cable & pulley steering

I'm thinking it should turn pretty easily on land.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Springs for old cable & pulley steering

Well there I go assuming things again. I should have asked...

What position do you have the motor in? Is it all the way down like it will be when it's running? If so then I agree, it should turn fairly easily but if its up then it can sometimes bind and not turn as well.

 

[baytonemus]

Re: Springs for old cable & pulley steering

Thanks for your replies. The motor is down. My previous frame of reference is that it used to turn with virtually no resistance. Now there's a little. I guess that's to be expected with the springs. I'm also thinking that the cable is likely to stretch a little early on so I don't think I'll loosen it up just yet.

Weather is not cooperating today but I hope to have it in the water tomorrow morning. Thanks!