2 part questions thermostat and steering

[steplift20]

The problem is I can't get the steering rod out unless I remove the engine

[steplift20]

I forget to mention I was out in sandy hook today fishing for strippers and saw about 4 step lifts out there one was a v 21 The swells were very high and dangerous was anyone on this site out there too

[steplift20]

Hey spare you said grease the pivot tube? Does that have anything to do with the steering? I thought it only is for raising the engine when I disconnect the engine from the steering bracket it moves freely

[spareparts]

tilt tube is up and down, pivot tube is side to side to side, its the grease fitting on the side of the mid section

[steplift20]

Yep the pivot tube is well greased I thought you were talking about the tilt tube sorry about that Actually the tilt tube is only about 4 years old I had it replaced I was thinking could it by the helm ? The cable should be good that's not old everything should be good but my steering is very hard and I do have play in the steering about 2 to 4 inches is that normal for a no feed back system
M

[phatdaddy]

disconnect the steering rod(connects end of cable to steering bracked on motor) and see if the problem is in the pivot tube or cable

[spareparts]

teleflex or U-flex system?