Steering play

[1975fflh]

Gidday

There seems to be more than a reasonable amount of play in the steering of my 5.2 rumrunner it has a 90 horse Johnno with OMC gear, the motor is a 10/1998 vintage and believ the steering may be of the same vintage.

Is there any way to adjust the slack? or will I have to promise to do ALL the housework for two years as well as take the ALL the kids fishing with me all the time (5 Kids) so I can upgrade to Hydraulics (think I misspelt that one).

Thanks

Gordon

[blaze]

Question - has it got worse or has it been there all the time
Solution - to remove free play you will need to replace worn parts, Start at the outboard and while someone is moving the steering to and fro, look for the places of free play. Working your way up to the helm unit you maybe able to eliminate some of it by tighten loose bolts (like the connection between cable and outboard). The other place to look is the pivot bushes on your motor, to check this, just hang onto the leg and give it a good shake, you will see if they are worn.
cheers
blaze

[finga]

yep, you've misspelled misspelt. (Is that right??)
Mate, how many degrees would the steering wheel be able to move without making any difference on the motor??
Or put another way how much free wheel does the steering wheel have??
One blokes slackness is another bloke's tightness :)

[1975fflh]

Thanks Blaze and finga

misspelled sounds about right.

There is about 5 degrees each way or the motor can be moved about 3 cm on the slack before moving the steering wheel.

[onerabbit]

Hi Gordon,

I have just have Hydraulic steering fitted to my boat, WHAT A BLESSING.

My mechanic advised me that my steering head was on the way out, ok $250, "should I do the cables as well, while you're at it?" another $150, plus labour.

OK, there's no getting away from the fact that I just wanted to spoil the Old Girl, & myself........................

The HY-Drive system fitted was around $1,000, but what a difference it makes.
The first day I took her out was fairly calm, I pointed the boat & she tracked straight for nearly 3 miles without me touching the wheel, also a great improvement in the slop or anywhere there is pressure on the motor, eg big turns at speed, no more fighting the wheel to get it around, it just goes.

I fully recommend you consider the housework option,

Muzz

[1975fflh]

I am in awe of such wisdom.

I will certainly comence sucking up to her tonight.