Sticky Steering! Please Help.
 

I spent the weekend dodging rain storms at LOTO, and I noticed that all of the other boats I was running with had super smooth steering around the docks.

I'm running an alpha/smallblock combo. The motor is new but all of the accessories including everything associated with the steering system is 1989.

The problem is that my steering is real tight or sticky, and the problem seems to be the worst around the dock, but that might just be where it's the most noticeable.

Has anyone had and fixed this problem? Is this something that goes along with an alpha drive?

Help please!

Sounds like a corroded steering cable. Check immediately! You do not want it to let go at WOT:eek:

Mike is it a problem just sitting at the dock with the engine off?

It does stick when the engines is off.

Almost definately due for a cable replacement. Mine did the same two years ago. $120 and about 45 minutes did the trick. You notice the "sticking" around the docks because that's where you do all the steering back & forth.

If it ever stops raining I'm going to take a look at the cable.

And if you have an external tie bar with heim joints, check that one or both are not siezed. Happened to me, same symptom.