Steering Rod Question

[possom813]

On the steering rod, one end is flat and one has a balljoint type fitting on it.

Is it imperative that the balljoint be connected to the motor, or is it ok to connect that end to the steering rod and the flat end to the motor?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Steering Rod Question

I believe the ball must be on the steering arm of the drive (motor end)

 

[possom813]

Re: Steering Rod Question

Why? Not trying to be a smartbutt, just wondering if there's a reason for it to have to go there?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Steering Rod Question

now that I think about it I assumed you were talking about a mercruiser pre-alpha.... You didn't say.....

 

[possom813]

Re: Steering Rod Question

No sir, it's a 1970 Johnson 40hp that doesn't have the tilt tube. I bought the teleflex clamp and have it mounted up with a tube. The motor only had a hole that was horizontal on the handle, so I built a little 90 degree bracket out of steel and drilled a hole so I'd have a vertical hole.

The steering rod I have works a lot better with the flat end with the pivot ball on the steering rod instead of the motor. It tries to bind up with it the other way around.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Steering Rod Question

There are many various attachments....... you do what works best. Got any pictures of your set up?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Steering Rod Question

yep, what Bob said...... the system I was thinking of has a machined socket for the ball..... This system however is your own design and works however you say it does

sorry for any confusion

 

[possom813]

Re: Steering Rod Question

I'll get some pics of it in the morning. I have to go to work shortly and have to make it a little prettier in the am, before pics

 

[possom813]

Re: Steering Rod Question

Pics of the completed steering setup

On the left, the little bracket that the steering cable is going through is just for show, and to keep the cable out of the way when tilting the motor up.

The 2x4 chunk of wood in this pic has been fiberglassed prior to using it. I didn't have a big enough chunk of aluminum anywhere. It's through the splashwell with 3 ss screws and 1.5" fender washers on each to keep it from pulling through. I'm probably going to end up pulling it back off and drilling a pieces of 3/16" alumium and make a 1 piece washer that all 3 screws will go through. Still debating.

 

[dlngr]

Re: Steering Rod Question

I think it looks good,except for the block of 2x4... Have you tried it in the water yet? [I 'rigged' my own steering on a 35hp about 3 years ago,still working great for me]

 

[possom813]

Re: Steering Rod Question

I don't have anything better than the 2x4 around. I fiberglassed it before using it to make it as waterproof as possible and covered the bolts with silicone adhesive rtv before running them through the block.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Steering Rod Question

Make sure it trims and tilts w/o binding. If it also steers w/o binding, it is good to go.

 

[possom813]

Re: Steering Rod Question

No power tilt/trim

The manual tilt doesn't bind and I still have to get it on the water to see where the trim pin needs to be exactly.