steering cable replacement

[pjhmth2000]

Have a 1987 mariner 135 v-6 outboard. Experienced a steering cable failure (original equipment cable). After some hard work got old steering cable out of tilt tube. Seems that new cable does not go in easily through tube. Should this be the case, should the cable just slide in? Also looks like the splashwell is about 3 inches higher than the tilt tube opening. Any ideas on how to make the new cable slide in?

 

[jwhite]

Re: steering cable replacement

You may just need to clean the tube out, a long paddle bit works good for this. Do you have the ability to lift the motor off the back of the boat, that is the easiest way, otherwise it can be very hard and you might end up bending the new steering cable.

 

[pjhmth2000]

Re: steering cable replacement

looks like my mechanic friend will have to do it...that sounds kinda of extreme how can you life the motor up? by taking the actual motor brackets off the boat?

 

[jwhite]

Re: steering cable replacement

Most boats with a splashwell require removal of the motor to get the steering cable in (sometimes you get lucky, but rarely). There are 4 bolts that hold the motor on the boat, mercury/mariner have a special lift eye that screws into the top of the flywheel so you can pick it up with a motor lift. It's not really that difficult, anyone with some experience should be able to lift the motor, install cable, and bolt engine back up in an hour or less.

 

[pjhmth2000]

Re: steering cable replacement

I'm sure my friend can handle it then as he has his own tools, lift etc. Just curious though....what actually moves to steer the motor when steering wheel is turned? Is it the cable moving through the tilt tube or the tilt tube sliding in and out...Thanks!!

 

[rbu]

Re: steering cable replacement

Not sure I understand your last question. You said that you removed your old steering cable, when you did, did you notice that the end of the cable (the part that comes out of the tube) should have been connected to the engine tiller arm?<br /><br />Take a look here:<br /><br /> http://www.tfxmarine.com/pdfs/steeringpdfs/connection.pdf

 

[pjhmth2000]

Re: steering cable replacement

Yep it was connected to the linkage..I guess my question is how does the motor actually steer? Does the cable move inside the tube or does the tube move?

 

[Philby]

Re: steering cable replacement

just done the same job.<br /><br />the cable end moves in and out the tube.<br /><br />clean the tube well. If you have removed the steering line you can feed through an abrasive strip through and pull it back and forth.<br /><br />a good soaking in wd40 does no harm.