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Steering cable frozen

Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2020 7:55 pm
by GloryDays
Wondering if anyone has had any luck freeing up steering cables? I’ve seen some YouTube videos but the weren’t for Marinettes or Mark II steering boxes and cables. Looks like these cables are no longer available so any help would be greatly appreciated

Restoring a 32’ 79 Sedan would like to be able to steer it when I’m done! Lol

Thanks,

Re: Steering cable frozen

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 5:14 am
by Busia
You could try to make a fitting so you can pump some solvent or light oil down the cable. I would pump from the top down. You might be able to use some small hose or tubing from the pump to the steering cable, with hose clamps on each end to seal the ends. I use a small oil can that pumps for similar jobs. Try Automatic transmission fluid, it is a light oil. A lot of us have had to replace the steering system. In mine I had Steermaster, made in Detroit. No longer in business, some parts available from GlennL. I just converted to a name brand outboard steering system. On the shelf, and about $100 . I did have to make an adapter for the cable end. Might have a picture I can add. Good luck--Ed

Re: Steering cable frozen

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 9:06 am
by bcassedy
May be overkill but if you can make the fitting mentioned above and fit it to the high point on the high point you try the following.
Note - it's extensive cuz it sounds like there's a likelihood of rust/corrosion inside the cable.
1. Attach fitting to top point
2. Place drip cans at lower points to catch drips.
3. Connect can of Rust Buster (RB) to fitting.
4. Try squirting RB into line.
5. Try working RB into line but wud be very careful as you don't know the level of deterioration of the interior cable.
6. Keep at it, freeing up cable little by little till free.
7. Once free, hook up can of transmission fluid and use it under pressure to flush crud.out of lines.
8. Blow lines clear with compressed air.
9. Finish with forcing grease lubricant through line (until it appears at far end(s) of cable.
That should provide a long period of service. However, if the interior cable's stuck because a strand or more broke from main section, you might want to go with replacing now rather than having it break totally while you're underway.

Bill

Re: Steering cable frozen

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 9:40 am
by GloryDays
Pictures would be great. Right now i have a syringe with Marvin's Miracle oil and a slow drip going. Converting to new off the shelf is and option what did you use?

Re: Steering cable frozen

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 12:11 pm
by EWRice
First thing, are you sure it is the cable. Most of the time, if the rudders have not been updated to stainless, it is the rudders not the cable.

If it is the steering cable, don't waste your time trying to free it up. It will only prolong the inevitable. The entire steering assemblies ( new helm, cable, brackets, etc.) are not horribly expensive and will make the boat steer so much better. If you have stuff tore apart working on the boat, now is the time to replace it anyway.

Re: Steering cable frozen

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 5:51 pm
by GloryDays
Rudders move freely. Both steering boxes are good also. Not against upgrading but trying to keep cost down. What is good source for upgrading? Should I have to upgrade both helms?

Re: Steering cable frozen

Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2020 7:24 am
by Fastjeff
On dirt bikes, we used compressed air to force lubricant through the cable. Elevate that end, clamp a rubber hose to the cable, pour thin oil in the hose, then clamp an air fitting to it and add as much pressure as it will take. Let it sit a few hours, adding pressure as needed.

Jeff

Re: Steering cable frozen

Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2020 5:04 pm
by Harryb
Hi I replaced my cable steering with a seastar hydraulic system on both helms a while back and probably have the cables and boxes in the shop somewhere. The boat and the parts are in Florida and I am in Iowa but plan to head south in the next couple of days. PM me if your interested in these parts thanks Harry.

Re: Steering cable frozen

Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2020 5:22 am
by GloryDays
Harryb wrote:Hi I replaced my cable steering with a seastar hydraulic system on both helms a while back and probably have the cables and boxes in the shop somewhere. The boat and the parts are in Florida and I am in Iowa but plan to head south in the next couple of days. PM me if your interested in these parts thanks Harry.

That would be awesome. I’m not sure how to PM yet but I’ll figure it out

Re: Steering cable frozen

Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2020 7:17 pm
by pbaker32s
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98DC2864-A99E-40EA-9D6B-04A55D9BD8DC.jpeg
I have saved many cables with this homemade cable Luber ,you should be able to see in the picture what you would need from the hardware store .you clamp the hose onto the cable end ,I usually put sea foam or kroil in the Reservoir first pass and put air pressure to it .I usually start out low make sure I have no leaks and then steadily increase the pressure. I have had up to 90 psi forcing sludge thru the cables,sometimes it takes a while to work all the degreaser or oil through the cable .I have Had some take all day.usually the last pass I put synthetic transmission oil through it. I have taken a seized cable to smooth as butter. Never put grease on the cables. It’s easier with the cable off, If that is not possible make sure you have a trash bag or something under the opposite end to not make a mess