Possible to free up a steering cable from a 1974 V20 will take?

[Destroyer]

Unfortunately, there is no real way to say what the problem is. It might be frozen grease, it might be rust, it might be damage. You might be able to free it up by tapping on the end with a hammer, or you might not be. But the cost of a new unit, including the helm is cheap insurance that it will work properly for years to come. So why bother going through all the unnecessary hassle? Do the right thing and replace it.

And when you do replace it buy a Steersman nut for the end of it that will prevent all these problems in the future. https://steersman.com/html/whatitdoes.html If you are boating in saltwater get the Stainless type, if you are boating in only fresh water get the Aluminum type. Buy the type that fits the threads of the brand of engine you have. They work. I've been using them for years and never had a single steering cable go bad on me. (And they are cheap compared to the cost of a new cable).

Good luck on the fix and happy boating.