I'm having a problem with the steering on my boat. A 1989, Maxim with an 85 hp Force motor. I disconnected the steering linkage and I am able to move the motor by hand. Also, when I turn the steering wheel the cable moves freely. I unscrewed the large nut when the cable enters the motor steering cylinder and I can see the cable move. The cylinder, that the cable pushes against in the "pipe" (?) seems stuck. Also, I can't seem to separate the cable from that cylinder .
Earlier, prior to taking off the nut I was able (with much difficulty) to pull the cylinder to the right. I cleaned it and worked it back and forth and it seemed OK until I put everything back together. When I turned the steering wheel and the cylinder slid in, everything seemed OK until I tried turning the wheel in the opposite direction. It wouldn't budge. How is the cable attached to that cylinder? Why did the cylinder slide easily in to the left, but would not come out easily to the right? How do I proceed?
Thanks in advance.
Jeff
Earlier, prior to taking off the nut I was able (with much difficulty) to pull the cylinder to the right. I cleaned it and worked it back and forth and it seemed OK until I put everything back together. When I turned the steering wheel and the cylinder slid in, everything seemed OK until I tried turning the wheel in the opposite direction. It wouldn't budge. How is the cable attached to that cylinder? Why did the cylinder slide easily in to the left, but would not come out easily to the right? How do I proceed?
Thanks in advance.
Jeff