Lunker Larry Posted March 3, 2011 Report Share Posted March 3, 2011 Hey everyone. I have a 16 ft Lund with a 75 hp and all Yamaha controls. My problem is that the steering is loose. The motor turns on its own at idle and flops over when trimmed up. Seems to be getting looser each year. Been over the motor and all the cables but I cannot find anythying that resembles a tensioner or whatever. Anyone have any ideas? I've had this posted elswhere and no one seems to have a solution. LL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pikehunter Posted March 3, 2011 Report Share Posted March 3, 2011 Dunno 'bout Yammy but Johnsons have a screw/spring tensioner at the top of the shaft, takes a regular size flat head screwdriver. Some smaller Merc's have a lever at the tiller base you slide from side to side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HTHM Posted March 3, 2011 Report Share Posted March 3, 2011 Check your bushings and DO NOT run the boat until this is sorted out. An unexpected turn at high speed can be fatal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lplp Posted March 3, 2011 Report Share Posted March 3, 2011 Is it a steering cable,, not the pulley s ,,, you might and probable should replace the cable ,, can be done easily ,but first check under steering wheel and see if the gears are sitting right and make sure a tooth isnt broken off, also check where the single cable goes into engine and make sure it is tight ,usually they seize up, . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRIFTER_016 Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 I had the same issue with my boat from brand new. The fix was to replace the helm in my boat. It cam from the factory with a Teleflex Safe-T helm which is probably what you have as well. I replaced it with a Teleflex NFB Safe-T helm that has a clutch built into it that locks the steering when not turning the wheel. This makes it much easier for me when I'm setting my downriggers now that I don't have to worry about turning in circles because the boat turns by it's self. Installation is pretty easy if you're at all handy and cost is reasonable at about $170 for the parts. http://www.teleflexmarine.com/products/steering/mechanical-steering/nfb-safe-t-ll-2/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin booth Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 Hey everyone. I have a 16 ft Lund with a 75 hp and all Yamaha controls. My problem is that the steering is loose. The motor turns on its own at idle and flops over when trimmed up. Seems to be getting looser each year. Been over the motor and all the cables but I cannot find anythying that resembles a tensioner or whatever. Anyone have any ideas? I've had this posted elswhere and no one seems to have a solution. LL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevin booth Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 there is a bolt that runs through the motor and the mounting bracket that attaches to it,its a big nut and bolt around 3/4 inches or so you cant miss it,but crank it down and i bet this is all it is,it happened to me and i know it also got worse as time went on.good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BITEME Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 I have to ditto DRIFTER_016 on this. I would correct it at the helm. There should be a screw or bolt on the neck of the motor but it is only a temp measure till it wears into that spot and it does not take long I would go with the reactive steering. better deal then a rod and reel any day of the week Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunker Larry Posted March 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 (edited) Thanks everyone. Very much appreciated. I'll be looking into all the solutions once I get the boat out of the snow bank. I like the product Drifter16 posted.Didyou get that through the states or canada? That looks like the way to go. It also got me thinking that maybe there is an adjustment on the 'steering box' that I have but couldn't see when standing on my head trying to check it out. I'll have to find the paperwork for the cable installation. Must be something in there. Again, thanks guys. Edited March 4, 2011 by Lunker Larry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRIFTER_016 Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 Thanks everyone. Very much appreciated. I'll be looking into all the solutions once I get the boat out of the snow bank. I like the product Drifter16 posted.Didyou get that through the states or canada? That looks like the way to go. It also got me thinking that maybe there is an adjustment on the 'steering box' that I have but couldn't see when standing on my head trying to check it out. I'll have to find the paperwork for the cable installation. Must be something in there. Again, thanks guys. I ordered through either Cabelas or West Marine. Can't remember as it was a couple of years ago. Make sure you properly measure your existing steering cable so you get the right size when the new setup comes in. I didn't and had to wait for a replacement to arrive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunker Larry Posted March 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 I'll take note of that. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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