2012 150 Montauk Frozen Steering

Repair or modification of Boston Whaler boats, their engines, trailers, and gear
pcjackson06
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Joined: Sun Jul 28, 2019 3:42 pm

2012 150 Montauk Frozen Steering

Postby pcjackson06 » Sun Jul 28, 2019 3:45 pm

Steering [on a 2012 150 MONTAUK] went from clunky to frozen. I’m going to go down to slip on July 29, 2019.

Q1: Any suggestion?

I have lithium grease and thought I’d lubricate, but [there is some acoustic evidence that] sounds like maybe a bad cable.

Q2: Can they be replaced [when the boat is] in water?

Q3: What length [replacement cable] is needed for a 2012 150 Montauk?

NLA01
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Re: 2012 Montauk frozen steering

Postby NLA01 » Sun Jul 28, 2019 7:23 pm

First see if [the component of the steering that is frozen] is in the engine, the helm, or the cable.

Try to remove the cable from the outboard engine. If [the cable] is frozen in the engine, the starboard cable nut will probably [will] not come completely off and the cable will not pull out. If [the cable is] frozen there, then try some penetrating oil sprayed where the cable goes into the tilt tube.

Clunking and then locking sounds like [the cause of the steering being frozen] is the helm.

Did the engine turn before [the steering] locked up?

If the cable was frozen in the engine and the steering wheel forced to try to break free it could break the gear in the helm.

I think replacing the cable would be best on the trailer.

jimh
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Re: 2012 [150] Montauk Frozen Steering

Postby jimh » Sun Jul 28, 2019 7:45 pm

pcjackson06 wrote:Q3: What length [replacement cable] is needed for a 2012 150 Montauk?


Use the same cable length for the replacement cables as the original. You can measure the cables when you visit the boat on July 29, 2019.

Was the boat used in saltwater?

Disconnect the drag link between the engine tiller arm and the steering ram actuator. Test the engine to see if the engine can be easily steered. If the engine is free to move when disconnected from the drag link, the cause of the frozen steering is in the steering system.

Report your findings after you visit the boat on July 29, 2019. Further advice can be offered once you describe the real cause of the frozen steering.

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Phil T
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Re: 2012 150 Montauk Frozen Steering

Postby Phil T » Mon Jul 29, 2019 1:31 pm

If you have not greased the cable in the last year, do NOT replace it. It just needs lubrication. If you don't have a zerk grease fitting, see this excerpt from an article I wrote on frozen steering,

The steering cable has two parts, an outer sleeve and an inner cable/rod. The sleeve bolts on to the starboard side of the engine and rod slides thru the tilt tube of the motor. The rod is connected to the motor by the steering arm. The tilt tube needs lubrication. Lack of lubrication and water can cause corrosion. This results in the rod sticking.

Warning: if your steering is stuck, do NOT try forcing the wheel to turn. There are small teeth in the helm (behind the wheel) that can break. If several teeth break, you will need to replace your helm.

Verify the steering cable is stuck by removing the steering arm from the rod. With your hands, grasp the motor and move it. If it moves, the steering cable is the source of the problem.

The easiest method that can free a slightly frozen rod is using the engine tilt motor to try to break the rod free. When the motor moves the rod does rotates slightly. Repeated tilting full up/down can break free a rod.

Steering Linkage

If still stuck, with the steering arm still disconnected, remove the port side nut from the engine bracket. Spray heavy amounts of penetrant like PB Blaster into the tilt tube. Keep some rags or towels handy. Let this soak for a few hours. Repeated spraying and letting it sit helps reduce the effort to break it free.

Wrap the flat end of the steering rod with a towel and use a wrench or adjustable and gently rotate up and down while having a helper put light pressure on the wheel.

If not successful, unbolt the starboard side nut that attaches the cable to the engine. With a block of wood and a hammer, drive the port side end of cable. A combination of force and spraying penetrant will break it free in 90% of the cases.

If the cable will still not budge, the last resort is to use heat. With a propane torch (not MAP or other high temperature fuels) apply heat to the tube. After a few minutes, whack the cable. Repeat the soaking and apply more heat and hitting the cable.

Unfrozen and Prevention:

Now that your cable is unstuck, you should take the time to make sure it doesn't happen again. If the boat is new to you or has not been serviced recently, removing the steering rod, cleaning the tube and reinstalling with fresh marine grease is recommended.

If your rod does not have a nut with a grease fitting on the port side,it is highly recommended you install one like the one shown in the photo above. One brand is Steersman Nut

https://www.steersman.com/html/installation.html
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003

jimh
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Re: 2012 150 Montauk Frozen Steering

Postby jimh » Mon Jul 29, 2019 2:52 pm

If the engine is frozen in place you probably need to tear down the engine mount and clean and lubricate the pivot tube; that cannot be done while the engine is mounted to the boat transom.

Most outboard engine owner’s manuals call for annual inspection of the engine pivot mount and fresh greasing.

Have you been following the owner’s manual service procedures?

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Phil T
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Re: 2012 150 Montauk Frozen Steering

Postby Phil T » Mon Jul 29, 2019 3:45 pm

1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003

biggiefl
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Re: 2012 150 Montauk Frozen Steering

Postby biggiefl » Tue Jul 30, 2019 10:20 am

I highly doubt a 2012 has a frozen pivot tube. Most likely cable needs greasing, new cable and or helm. Need to start somewhere however. Since he was going to the slip yesterday, maybe we will hear back from him soon.
On my 24th Whaler. Currently in the stable: 86 18' Outrage, 81 13' Sport(original owner), 87 11' Sport, 69 Squall(for sale cheap).