Evinrude 15' outboard 85hp steering question?

Question

my friends 1978 boat's steering is locked up. specifically the piston that moves from left to right on the motor that turns it. we are beginners and when we thought everything was all ready to go but the steering does not budge, at first thought we assumed there was a pin, or a lock, or something that keeps the engine from swaying back and forth while trailering. but we could find no such thing and assume that since its been sitting for about a year it seized up and rusted shut. so im wondering if anyone has experience in this situation and can assure me there is no hidden lock mechanism.

Answer 1

80% sure no lock ---try greasing the pit in the center of the ram thats locked up--- it should have been  maintained ....it  might have rusted...try  and work it back and forth a little bit at a time 2 free it up.

Answer 2

I agree it's the cable.  No locks, I'm sure.  This is a common problem and because there are safety issues, invest in a new cable.  There is a part # on the cable, and a length, It's not always the same as the boat length.

Answer 3

what he said.  the cable you buy aftermarket from west marine you only need the length of the boat or the length from the throttle to the stern ...petty petty petty

Answer 4

Probably whats locked up is the cable. Remove the link at the motor and see if the steering wheel turns. If not you will have to replace the cable, or (as I just did on one I bought) remove the cable, soak it it penetrant until it will slide out of the casing, then clean, grease and re-install it.

Answer 5

There is no lock. Your cable is froze up. If you are lucky the cable can be removed without much trouble, but more often than not there is not enough room to remove it with the motor still attatched to the boat. They can hit the inside of the motorwell before the cable clears the steering tube. The only remedy for this situation is to remove the motor to gain clearance. Clean the steering tube at the motor very well before inserting the new cable.   Good luck.