Dt65 steering cable

[welshspringer]

Hi
Following 2 yrs of ill health including 2017 had chance to set my outfit ready
for sea. Problem, the steering is siezed solid, engine end is ok problem lies between engine and steering wheel. So 2 options 1/ Release the cables (how ?). 2/ Replace the steering cables.
Option 2/ Cannot find a cable. Option 1 Afraid to damage engine using too much force

HELP REQUIRED, PLEASE.

[Solarman]

What do you mean, "can't find the steering cable?
Do you have hydraulic steering?
Have you been adding grease to the grease fitting on the lower steering tube of your motor?
If you can post a pic of your motor steering (unit on front of your motor) when you reply, i can help you more.

If your steering cable is frozen, you will probably have to replace what is frozen.

If the steering tube on the motor is frozen, there are only 2 ways tip fix that. Least costly way, is to heat up the steering tube, until it is hot enough for the grease inside to loosen up (grease at top seam should start to bubble) once that happens add more grease, and move motor right and left.

Only other way to free the tube is dismantling it, also using heat until steering shaft frees up enough to remove the shaft and clean shaft and tube, then reinstall parts in reverse.

Good luck, post back when able to let us know how it's going.

[welshspringer]

JNot very clear, meant could not find asupplier for a new steering cable. It is the cable which is frozen all pivot points on engine perfect..
Is there any way to remedy the problem?

[Solarman]

Remove steering cable at both ends, replace complete cable. Cable being frozen means water has gotten inside and rust has frozen the core, you may end up destroying the cable getting it out.

Good luck, make sure it is just the cable that's bad. Post back when able to let us know how it's going.

[Moonlighter]

I agree with Solarman (Ralph).

One further note: inside the nut that goes onto the end of the steering tube on the motor there is usually some kind of seal designed to stop water entering as you turn the steering and the rod moves in and out.

As he alluded to, water getting into the tube and thus into the end of the steering cable is one way to have a cable seize up. So you need to "make good" that seal where the steering rod comes out of the steering tube. It will no doubt be stuffed as it is now, and might be why your cable has frozen up.

Ralph may be able to advise what kind of seal is used on the DT models, on my previous Yamaha it was an O ring inside the nut.

You will also want to thoroughly clean out the steering tube once the old cable is removed. I used spray grease inside it once it was cleaned out, Ralph may have better suggestions for you in that regard too.

An even better idea is to replace the cable steering with hydraulic!! It costs a bit, but I wouldnt want cable steering again having had hydraulic on my current and previous boats.

[welshspringer]

Thanks both for the advice, managed to remove the steering cable, bit of a pig under the steering wheel. Hopefully there is a replacement available locally.
A learning curve today, now realise a 76 yr old body does not fit into the shapes needed for work on boats.
Thanks again, just noticed your locales, Internet is a marvelous thing.

[Solarman]

Yes, it can be. Any local dealership, or repair shop that sells marine parts should carry, or be able to order you the cable. Likewise, you can possibly order online, sand have sent to you.

As Grant mentioned, you could change it all to hydraulics, but that would cost you 6-7 times the price of that cable.

On one end of that cable, or stamped somewhere, it will tell the length. Keep the same length, those cables are not meant to be bent or kinked. It will only bend so far, do not force it.

Good luck, post back when able to let us know how it's going.

[welshspringer]

Didn't realise that there are different cable for size of engine. Mine was for a 55hp, my engine 65hp. So complete new set up needed - not a bad price £117 complete.

[welshspringer]

Have had to modify the helm for new steering, cutting to fit and fill with fibreglass paste. Quite a bit of fettling but steering wheel and mechanism awaiting the fitting of the cable, a lot heavier than the replaced cable, I think a 2 man job tomorrow.

[Solarman]

I didn't know they used different for a 65 either.
Might only be that way in your area. It is heavier on larger motors, but here, a 55 & 65 would be same.

Post back when able to let us know how it's going. Good luck.

[welshspringer]

The new steering is all fitted, far better than the original no wandering of the helm. It would seem that money £112 was / is well worth it, not the easiest to fit especially someone well past the flush of middle age.
Good boating.