Streering seems locked or just does not work

[kpfrom]

Hi all,
Went to launch yesterday and as I came off the trailer I realized the steering was frozen. I have had this Parker 1801 since 2004 (new) w/Yamaha 115 and never had this as an issue. Is there a lock the boat yard would have set at winterization or is my steering just shot?

 

[TomS]

What kind of steering do you have?

Chances are you don't have hydraulic, and the steering tube got gunked up and needs to be cleaned out.

I believe there have been a few posts here on the subject, do a search.

-- Tom

 

[DaleH]

Frozen ... you need a heat gun or torch (CAREFULLY) to heat up the old grease to get it to move. Then read the trick here on using a shotgun cleaning brush to clean out the tilt tube ... PM me if needed.

 

[kpfrom]

Thank you guys for the info, the fix was a success. I began by disconnecting the arm that attaches to the steering rod. vice grips on the steering rod while someone gently turned the helm allowed me to get the steering moving. At that point I was able to pull the steering cable and rod out of the tilt tube about 80% of the way. I was informed by my yamaha dealer, that I would not get the cable and steering rod out completely without removing the outboard. Using a 12gauge shot gun cleaning brush in a drill I cleaned as much of the tube as I could. re-greased the steering rod and replaced. I tried a steersman however there is a small screw on the tilt assembly that interfered with the steersman as I tightened it. For now I replaced the plastic factory nut with the gasket...looks like this maybe some regular maintenance for me.

Launched this morning and headed out for mackerel off Scituate. Steering still a bit stiff but it is working now!

Thanks again,
Ken
1801 Java