Tight steering cable?

[konrad]

Got in my boat the other day and the steering was very tight. It isn't locked up but pretty hard to turn the motor. If anyone has any advice on what I can do to loosen it up I greatly appreciate it. The boat is only 2 years old if that matters.

[FUTCHCAIRO]

HEY KONRAD, TURN THE STEERING WHEEL UNTIL THE ARM IS ALL THE WAY OUT OF THE GUIDE, THEN SPRAY THE ROD DRIPPIN WET WITH BLASTER, THEN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL PULLING THE STEERING ROD IN AND OUT OF THE THE GUIDE UNTIL IT GOES IN AND OUT EASY, IF IT IS TIGHT USA A WOOD MALLET TO KNOCK IT IN AND OUT UNTIL IT GOES IN EASY WITH THE STEERING WHEEL.
PA

[konrad]

Thanks for the advise,

If you don't mind, what is Blaster and where can I find it?

[FishWithChris]

I believe he's talking about PB Blaster



Any autoparts store, such as Autozone

[FlatCrazy]

Insert that rod over and over again, cleaning the old grease off each time it is out. Sometimes the best way to get that old grease out is to heat the reservoir area with a torch. When you pump in the new grease the old stuff will come out easier when hot.

[Barhopr]

If it's cable steering, check out the Helm too.

[konrad]

Many thanks guys!!

[fishinfool]

Take a look at this. There are many suppliers of this type of lube system, this is but one http://www.westmarine.com/1/3/engine-systems-cable-lube
It will also help in preventing your cable from getting stiff in the future.
FF

[fishinfool]

Take a look at this. There are many suppliers of this type of lube system, this is but one http://www.westmarine.com/1/3/engine-systems-cable-lube
It will also help in preventing your cable from getting stiff in the future.
FF

[Sir reel]

If it has set up for a long time, check the rod at the motor and see if by chance you see some small rust pits on the rod and if that particular area seems to catch or stick more than another. If it does you can take some 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper and polish that part of the rod and that will help it to smoothly go in and out of the external cable sheath