Steering Cable Replacement??

turtle1173	Hi all, I don't know if this question belongs here or on the engine and motor forum but here it is anyway. I have a 1972 16' Starcraft runabout. It has a 1976 55HP Chrysler on the back. I really want to replace the steering unit, as it is very hard to turn (all original). Can anyone tell me what type of steering it has or how I can tell? Also, what kind would be a good replacement for it. I've looked in Cabela's and BassPro. Teleflex seems to be a common brand. Is anyone familar with their products? Would any of these work with me boat and motor? Thanks Shane	2002-01-26
djohns19	Turtle, I don't know if your Chrysler has a tilt tube. Does the steering cable go through the bracket that mounts the motor to the transom? If it does-that's a tilt tube system. These are the standard today. You can buy any tilt tube system from Teleflex or Morse and they will bolt in. Use the old cable to measure the correct length. If it is not tilt tube-it's a different story. The non tilt tube designs have a mounting bracket either attached to the transom or splashwell. The cable pushes and pulls a rod attached to the engine. The best place to find parts for these systems is http://www.westmarine.com or Boat US.	2002-01-26
turtle1173	Djohns19, Thanks for the reply. I don't think I have a tilt-tube. I was looking at the west marine sight and I think it's called a "Clamp Block Standoff." Will the modern units not connect to the motor? Are these harder to replace? Shane	2002-01-26
djohns19	Turtle, You got it, "clamp block". They're not harder to replace, just a little more expensive. You SHOULD be able to re use the parts that go from the transom or splashwell and the engine. Your problem probably lies in the cable itself. If your cable is stiff, that usually is a precurser to breakage-corrosion, etc. When ordering parts just order a "clamp block" style cable and use the measurements from your old one.	2002-01-26

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