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Author Topic:   Teleflex NFB question

Salmon Tub posted 07-23-2003 12:36 PM ET (US)
As I understand it, my Montauk (y.2000) came with the Teleflex NFB helm. I purchased the hull without power, but it still came with a helm. In any case, I have noticed about 3/8"-1/2" of play as the linkage end. In other words, you can turn the wheel a few degrees in either direction without any effect on the position of the engine, and inversely, the engine can move right and left about 1/2" (freeplay). The linkages are tight, meaning that if you move the engine 1/2" to the left, the link arm moves with the engine and the connecting arm moves with the link arm in and out of the steering tube. The play seems to be somewhere inside, either where the connecting arm attaches to the steering cable, or where the steering cable attaches to the helm. There is no real dangerous condition here as far as I can tell, but it is an annoyance, and allows the engine to vibrate excessively at idle due to play. Is this play standard for the NFB system or is my steering system out of whack?
bsmotril posted 07-23-2003 05:11 PM ET (US)
Can you check your manual to see if there is an adjustment for steering tension or freeplay? I looked on the Teleflex website but could not find an actual manual online there. I had an older style single cable system some time back (can't remember the mfg) which had such an adjustment.
BillS
Dick posted 07-23-2003 11:01 PM ET (US)
Salmon Tub
That play is normal and will be in any mechanical steering system. If you are concerned and want to eliminate it you will have to convert to hydraulic steering.
Dick
Salmon Tub posted 07-24-2003 11:14 AM ET (US)
Ya, on my smaller aluminum, I have the Safe-T-Quick (or something like that) by Teleflex, and there is no play in it, offcourse it does have a little feedback, though, I do not mind that. I never minded some shake at low rpm's on my tiller motors, but there is something about it that is just plain ugly when it happens on a big motor that is connected to a helm. I may try to contact teleflex on this one.
DCPeters posted 07-26-2003 11:41 PM ET (US)
The "NFB" comes from a sort of "brake" in the helm that helps isolate the strains on the cable from the steering wheel. The first motion of the wheel, when you want to make a change in course, is to defeat that brake. It's a bit unusual.
dgp posted 07-27-2003 08:02 AM ET (US)
Is there enough space in the floor conduit to run 2 hydraulic hoses? It seems crowded now with steering, throttle, shift & battery cables, electrical harness. Also add in the fuel hose for half of the length.
I know you'll free up some space by removing the current steering cable but the hydraulic hoses are considerably larger.
crosley95 posted 07-27-2003 10:35 PM ET (US)
hi,
i installed a new telflex nfb steering system on my '65 sakonnet. i haven't noticed the "play" you are speaking of. i find the steering "very solid and responsive". seems like the perfect set-up for a 16 - 17 foot boat.
just my opinion.
crosley

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Author	Topic: Teleflex NFB question
Salmon Tub	posted 07-23-2003 12:36 PM ET (US) As I understand it, my Montauk (y.2000) came with the Teleflex NFB helm. I purchased the hull without power, but it still came with a helm. In any case, I have noticed about 3/8"-1/2" of play as the linkage end. In other words, you can turn the wheel a few degrees in either direction without any effect on the position of the engine, and inversely, the engine can move right and left about 1/2" (freeplay). The linkages are tight, meaning that if you move the engine 1/2" to the left, the link arm moves with the engine and the connecting arm moves with the link arm in and out of the steering tube. The play seems to be somewhere inside, either where the connecting arm attaches to the steering cable, or where the steering cable attaches to the helm. There is no real dangerous condition here as far as I can tell, but it is an annoyance, and allows the engine to vibrate excessively at idle due to play. Is this play standard for the NFB system or is my steering system out of whack?
bsmotril	posted 07-23-2003 05:11 PM ET (US) Can you check your manual to see if there is an adjustment for steering tension or freeplay? I looked on the Teleflex website but could not find an actual manual online there. I had an older style single cable system some time back (can't remember the mfg) which had such an adjustment. BillS
Dick	posted 07-23-2003 11:01 PM ET (US) Salmon Tub That play is normal and will be in any mechanical steering system. If you are concerned and want to eliminate it you will have to convert to hydraulic steering. Dick
Salmon Tub	posted 07-24-2003 11:14 AM ET (US) Ya, on my smaller aluminum, I have the Safe-T-Quick (or something like that) by Teleflex, and there is no play in it, offcourse it does have a little feedback, though, I do not mind that. I never minded some shake at low rpm's on my tiller motors, but there is something about it that is just plain ugly when it happens on a big motor that is connected to a helm. I may try to contact teleflex on this one.
DCPeters	posted 07-26-2003 11:41 PM ET (US) The "NFB" comes from a sort of "brake" in the helm that helps isolate the strains on the cable from the steering wheel. The first motion of the wheel, when you want to make a change in course, is to defeat that brake. It's a bit unusual.
dgp	posted 07-27-2003 08:02 AM ET (US) Is there enough space in the floor conduit to run 2 hydraulic hoses? It seems crowded now with steering, throttle, shift & battery cables, electrical harness. Also add in the fuel hose for half of the length. I know you'll free up some space by removing the current steering cable but the hydraulic hoses are considerably larger.
crosley95	posted 07-27-2003 10:35 PM ET (US) hi, i installed a new telflex nfb steering system on my '65 sakonnet. i haven't noticed the "play" you are speaking of. i find the steering "very solid and responsive". seems like the perfect set-up for a 16 - 17 foot boat. just my opinion. crosley