steering rod

[nofish95]

I'm trying to replace the steering rod and cable on my outboard. The steering had become difficult. Anyway, I have partially removed the steering rod, and now see that there is not enough room for me to get it out. <br /><br />The steering rod is several inches longer than the available space for it to come out. The hole in the hull for the steering cable is off-set from the end of the steering rod. So, if I continue to push the steering rod out, it will put it's own hole in the hull!<br /><br />Am I overlooking something simple? Any advice would be appreciated.<br /><br />nofish

 

[DJ]

Re: steering rod

You are going to have to pull on it from inside of where it enters the hull.<br /><br />The other choices are to dismount the outboard or cut it.

 

[nofish95]

Re: steering rod

Thanks for the response DJ.<br /><br />I won't be able to get it to go through the hole where it enters the hull-the rod would have to be bendable to make that turn. The steering cable is curved between the rod and the hole. <br /><br />I can cut the old one, but I still won't be able to install the new rod since there is no room.<br /><br />I figured this work could be done if the outboard was removed, but I definitely do not have the right tools for that job. I was hoping to take care of the replacement myself. <br /><br />Could I just cut a new hole in the hull so that the rod and the new hole line-up? Or would removing the outboard be the wiser choice?<br /><br />nofish

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: steering rod

You may not have to remove the motor completely.<br />If you can remove the mounting bolts and slide the motor over to the port side you should have enough room. Make sure you have some help...dang motors are heavy.<br /><br />Dave

 

[cinder1995]

Re: steering rod

nofish95 <br /><br />I had to do the same thing a few months ago. I posted a topic on here becasue i've never heard of that before.<br /><br />I had to cut mine to get it out. Then while it was out, I routed out the hole in the hull to make it(more)level with the shaft tube on the motor.<br /><br />Once I was done I figured this was the problem with steering and not the cable. None the less, my steering is easier now.

 

[nofish95]

Re: steering rod

Thanks to everyone who replied. the end result was to take the boat to a qualified shop.<br /><br />We did not have the capacity to remove or partially remove the outboard at home. I'm thinking the steering box was the culprit anyway?.<br />It would not turn at all after the old cable was removed.<br /><br />See ya on the water.<br /><br />nofish