Frozen Steering - - SUCCESS !!!

[stripminer]

All,

* * * * *I have an 88 lift that I was unable to use last season. I am trying to get it ready to fish for this year and as you can guess, the steering is frozen pretty good. I put my car's jack on the rod and leaned into it pretty good to no avail.

* * * * *Does anyone have any tips for "unsticking" the steering. I loosened the nut on the "entry" side of the engines sleeve ( its a cable btw ) and the "inner" rod moves nicely. The "outer" rod seems to be stuck in the engine's sleeve. I cannot get it to move and I really don't have the tools or help to remove the engine in order to get a good wack at it with a sledge.

* * * * * * Any help would be appreciated. I am thinking of blasting it with some break free or WD40 and am even thinking of heating the rod with a torch in a hope of loosening it up.

* * * * *HELP !!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * - Tom

p.s. I have not stripped the teeth off the helm out of frustration like I have in the past !! ( pat on own back )

[stripminer]

All,

By the lack of responses I assume that this is a difficult project but I have found a way. A friend of mine ( a mechanic ) suggested twisting the rod at its exit side with a pipe wrench.
Sure enough the pipe wrench was able to twist the rod within the sleeve. It was a matter of then pounding it back and forth with a small sledge within the sleeve. As I worked it back and forth I degreased it using Liquid Wrench. I then pushed it all the way through using a home made drift pin made from a piece of steel rod I got at the HD. I had to cut the steering rod twice with a sawz-all. (I don't think boat mechanics need to go to the gym much)
The next trick is getting the new steering rod into the sleeve, the distance between transom wall and "entry" is smaller than the length of the rod. I guess I am going to have to take the engine off after all. At least I only have to rock it to one side and then put it right back .
Anyone knowing anything that might make my life easier, please let me know.

Thanks,
- Tom

Well, you already have a smart friend. 8)

Now all you need is a strong friend. ;D

[macojoe]

Use a bigger hammer!!!

That sucks!! I had that happen to me once, and never again!!
But there is no easy way! Just keep doing what your doing.
I now remove my cable from the water every winter!! Grease it and put in a plastic bag all taped up.
In the spring I take a brass pipe cleaner and rem the hole out good with WD, or something like it. Then I grease the cable again and put it all back toghter. Never had a problem in the last 8 years doing this. A little more work in the fall but no problems!

Good Luck!

[stripminer]

Macojoe,

How the heck do you get the rod out of the sleeve with a steplift. On my '88 the steering rod is longer than the "gap" between the transom wall the the entrance to the sleeve. It seems to me that I have to remove the engine to either remove or replace the steering cable.

I would love to go Hydraulic, but I have $800 reasons not to ..

- Tom
p.s. Did you guys know that your boats value goes up exponentially if you fill it with gasoline this year !!

[bigshrimpin]

Tom what type of engine do you have?

If you steeering tube is all rusty on the inside, You might consider getting a replacement "tilt tubes" (steering tubes). I was able to clean mine out with a power drill, wire brush (1/2" diameter), and lots of liquid wrench / wd-40. However if I were to do it again . . . I'd opt for the new tube.

[chumbucket]

MJ's motor is hanging out on the bracket. A lot easier to get the cable in and out with no obstructions.

[macojoe]

the reason I do what I do is that I had your problem!!
I had to remove ther motor (a 90hp Mercury) Then cut the sterring cable and have the whole tube replaced!! Hate to say it but sounds like your going to do the same thing!!
Let us no what happens! Good Luck!

[stripminer]

Ive got a Yamaha 130 ( nice little four banger, sips fuel ). If replacing that tube is easy I have no problem doing it. I just have to figure a way to have my brother hold the engine while I replace the part.

- Tom

[chumbucket]

Is your brothers' name Ahhnold? Been pumping iron? ;D