sceptre inboard steering cable

[fredetzel]

I have a 1978 sceptre inboard and my steering cable is all but locked up. the steering box and rudder move free so the cable is the culprit. My question is where do I find a steering cable or can I lube mine up and get it working again
thanks in advance
Fred

[McGillicuddy]

Fred,
Here's a possibility based on my own recent experience. Sometimes they lock up from getting too much grease while the steering rod is in the wrong position at least that was what was happening with mine. They often get over-lubed. If the steering rod isn't fully retracted at lube time, this type of airlock is what happens.

If the steering rod has some zerk fittings you might try removing them probably one at a time, and then crank on the wheel to see if you can burp some of the grease out Put some paper towels around the area to keep the grease from getting everywhere. It's a slow process measured in fractions of an inch of gain and probably works best on a warm day when the grease is going to be softer.

If indeed some grease comes out the zerk and your wheel starts moving, then its likely just a hydraulic lock. All of the grease will have to be burped out and then properly lubed.

Of course it may be that it had no grease and rusted. In that case you'll probably just replace it.

[fredetzel]

I pulled the steering cable and drilled 1/8 inch holes in the swages on both ends and sprayed in krilloil. Ifinally worked it free and got a lot of black grease and rust out through the holes I drilled. Reinstalled the cable and it works great but I dont think it will last.
The cable is a steermaster mark 3 (out of buisness) cant seem to find one so I guess i'll have to replace the whole thing.
Fred

[McGillicuddy]

Good deal. Can you fit some zerks on there to keep it lubed?

http://www.boatdesigns.com/products.asp?dept=642

http://www.californiamarine.com/imag...ood/CABLES.pdf

Morse used to make replacement cables also. Not sure what length you need.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Morse...05161003r23747

[fredetzel]

Thanks for the web links one of those may work. The cable is 20 feet long. Zerks are a great idea but standard ones are too big maybe pin type fittings will work not shure where to get them.
thanks again
Fred

[MarkR]

I replaced my cable a few years back.

The system on my 1975 Sceptre inboard is Mercruiser rotary-ride-guide. The cable was available and the only way to replace is was to pull the old cable in using the old cable.