Steering cable help

Jeb · #1 05-11-2019, 02:05 PM

Hi guys,

I need to replace the steering cable on my ‘84 V20 cuddy. Stock destroyer helm. Any chance someone might be able to help me identify the right cable online? I can’t find a part number.

Many thanks,
Jeb

steplift20 · #2 05-11-2019, 10:16 PM

If you're going to replace the cable I have a 1978 steplift and bought a NFB 17 foot cable and helm , I don't know if yours is longer but I think it should be the same

Jeb · #3 05-13-2019, 09:18 AM

Thanks for the reply. Has anyone else replaced a cable and used a different length? Or the same length? Any info appreciated.

FWIW, I know that a reasonable response would be, "pull out the existing cable, measure it and order the same one." I get that.

My issue is that I find myself with no time. (work, commute, marriage, two young daughters...) I have a mobile marine mechanic who will take this on for me. I'd like to have the part ready to go for him so the job doesn't require two trips.

I'm thinking of buying two cables (maybe even three), so he can use the correct one. Then, I'll return the unused cable(s).

Thanks again.

SkunkBoat · #4 05-13-2019, 09:38 AM

wish I could help with the length but I don't know.

One note about the steering cable on my 84 cuddy. The steering cable did not exit the original hole in the motor well along with the wires and shift cables. the po had cut a hole way back against the transom. This made the cable go straight into the motor as opposed to the sharp angle it would have had thru the original hole. I can't even imagine the cable ever working out of the original hole.
Just wondering how your's is configured?

Jeb · #5 05-13-2019, 09:57 AM

The great Skunkboat! As a the resident expert on the '84 Cuddy, I was hoping you might have a thought on this.

My cable is fed through that original hole (with fuel lines and shifting cable) and seems to work alright. I'm wondering if a new hole might help avoid having to unmount the outboard and lift it.

Jeb · #6 05-13-2019, 01:33 PM

Does this one (17') seem right?

https://www.amazon.com/SeaStar-Solut...8-1-spons&th=1

Thanks

SkunkBoat · #7 05-13-2019, 02:57 PM

Do you want to buy the whole kit or just a cable?

I doubt very much that you have a rack&pinion helm.
you probably have a 4.2 Safe-T or NFB, with a quick connect "QCII" cable

If I had to guess I would get a 17' cable
look at "SeaStar Quick Connect Rotary Steering Cable, SSC62XX"

Try to find the pn on the old cable.

SkunkBoat · #8 05-13-2019, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeb

The great Skunkboat! As a the resident expert on the '84 Cuddy, I was hoping you might have a thought on this.

My cable is fed through that original hole (with fuel lines and shifting cable) and seems to work alright. I'm wondering if a new hole might help avoid having to unmount the outboard and lift it.

Does the cable end go thru your motor's tilt tube? From that angle?
A picture would be great.

To the best of my knowledge, No one has ever gotten the cable out of the motor without moving the motor...we have all tried....

SkunkBoat · #9 05-13-2019, 03:19 PM

another note about steering...
with the cable disconnected from the motor, the motor should EASILY move by hand. If it doesn't, your swivel rod & bushing are bound up with dry grease.
If so, a new cable won't help you.

Let me know... there are ways short of tearing it apart that involve lots of WD40 and some new zerc fittings.

Honestly, that should be part of any steering cable change anyways...

oteps · #10 05-13-2019, 07:31 PM

I did mine without removing the motor. But it wasn't easy, had to cut the hole larger. the rubber boot still covered it. I thinkthere is a bushing in there that I removed to give me a little more angle. after I got the cable in I pushed the bushing back in. but the bushing holds the motor on, so I had to block it up and wiggle a little to get it back in. Mine is a dual console so maybe a little different and cant help with length.