Frozen steering

[mtty]

Yesterday, I went to the local lake. First time out on boat since the end of shrimp season last year. I pretripped everything but did not try to turn the steering wheel and wouldn't you know, frozen. Research at other sites I frequent indicates I need to work the steering rod loose at the motor and use a 12 gauge shotgun cleaner to clean up the interior of the steering rod holder. I had installed one of those Steersman rod wipers a year or so ago but I never felt comfortable about the fit. Last use was salt water. I flushed properly but never thought to periodically clean this mechanism . Raining here today but I'm making a plan of attack for this weekend along with the impellor. Anyone been down this road? Any tips or suggestions? Am I going to be able to completely extract the rod from the tube to clean it? Clearance looks to be an issue. Thanks in advance.

JT

[Genelie]

What king of motor are you running, and is this on a 210 cc boat?? If it is a 115 merc, and a 210 cc, I had the same issue with my return linkage. It is a stainless rod in a ALUMINUM shaft. It has a o-ring that is supposed to keep water and gunk out. It is lubed at the base of the shaft. But requires regular disasembly every 30 hours to re-lube.
I went through one shaft housing due to corrosion build up / deterioration. $120.00 big ones. If frozen you can use a blow torch to unfreeze, then dissasemble to clean and re-lube.
The only cure is regular maintenance, and what i was told save up for hydrolic steering.

[mtty]

Thanks for responding genelie. It's on a 170 CC w/ 2stroke 70 hp Yamaha. I've heard that heat will free it up but not sure about the mechanics of such. As I said I'm trying to develop a plan of attack for tomorrow and looking for as much previous experience as I can get. Supposed to be sunny here Sunday and I need to hit the water if you know what I mean.

[Genelie]

Yeah I hear you on the sunny weather. Here in San Diego we got good weather for the weekend. I am still finishing up my new fish finder. I hope to test by sunday.

[Dick@merrittmarine]

On the 170s you have to take the motor away from the transom to get the steering rod out of the motor. Try takeing the steering arm out of the end of the rod, then, with a block of wood try hitting it back with a hammer. Be careful not to flare the end of the steering rod, this will sometimes break it free. If it does, pull the rod out as far as you can and smother it with marine grease. if it doesn't move you might have to hack saw the cable end off and drive it thru from that end. As a last resort, take the nuts holding the steering tube to the motor and remove the whole assy. you do have to remove the motor from the boat to do this. DO NOT USE HEAT!!! Heat will melt the plastic spacers / washers on the motor.

Dick

[Fischer53]

Do us all a favor and take as many pictures as possible along the way. I am following the words, but the pictures would be a huge help.

[mtty]

I was hoping you'd chime in Dick. Let's hope I don't have to pull the motor. I was a little skeptical about the heat, glad I know better now. I'll try to get some photos. Ichanged jobs lately and with my last went my digital camera. I think I can shoot some and get them scanned. Wish me luck.


JT

[Genelie]

okay sorry about the touch thing, I was told that by a merc machanic......go figure.

[mtty]

I may be wasting my time but I've got about 50% of the rod out. I tried beating it out to no avail. What I've done is gotten a hand full of 3/4 " washers at the Home Depot and " walked" it out thus far. If you add the 3/4 washers to the rod behind the wiper and then pin the rod with a 3/8" socket extension you can ever so slowly walk it out. Extend the wiper to the end of the threads, then retract and add another 3/4" washer, extend, contract,add a washer and so on. It's slow but so far it's working. After a while you can add thicker stuff to the mix such as closed end wrenches, they're a little thicker than the washers. I also added a 1 1/2" piece of galvanized pipe. Had to give up for the day due to dinner arrangements but hopefully should have it fully extended tomorrow. I just hope I can get it clean enough to slide freely once fully extended. This method also pulls the rod straight out. Wacking it with a hammer tends to put an angular blow to the rod and establishes a fear that I will bend the rod. If that's the case I'd have to replace it anyway. I'll update tomorrow.

JT

[mtty]

I was able to extend the rod and beat it back in a couple of times. Each time I applied marine grease but was unable to get the rod to move freely. Looks like its time to go to the shop so that the engine can be pulled. I'd do it myself but being as I don't have the facilities I'll let them handle it. This is gonna hurt in the wallet I bet. I'll let you know. Sorry Dick I'm down in SC or I'd make the trip to Hillsbouruogh. Thanks for the advise though.
JT