Steering Cables

[ronnie]

I would like to know how hard it is to install new steering cables on a Nitro 884 with a Merc 150. Thanks for any help.

[fishinwrench]

Depending on your setup and rigging, swapping out cables can either be a piece of cake, a total bitch...or somewhere in between. The first thing to check is to see if the old cables will fully retract and slide free of the tilt tubes without having to unbolt the motor from the transom or jackplate.

If they will, then you probably escaped the worst case scenario. Don't apply any force to the tilt tubes in the process. They are a very soft and crumbly aluminum alloy.

[ronnie]

Depending on your setup and rigging, swapping out cables can either be a piece of cake, a total bitch...or somewhere in between. The first thing to check is to see if the old cables will fully retract and slide free of the tilt tubes without having to unbolt the motor from the transom or jackplate.

If they will, then you probably escaped the worst case scenario. Don't apply any force to the tilt tubes in the process. They are a very soft and crumbly aluminum alloy.

Thanks for the help, might just take it the shop.

[Tritonbass]

Depending on your setup and rigging, swapping out cables can either be a piece of cake, a total bitch...or somewhere in between. The first thing to check is to see if the old cables will fully retract and slide free of the tilt tubes without having to unbolt the motor from the transom or jackplate.

If they will, then you probably escaped the worst case scenario. Don't apply any force to the tilt tubes in the process. They are a very soft and crumbly aluminum alloy.

You should be able to use the old cables to run the new ones. Tape the ends together so that when you pull on the old cable you draw the new cable thru the same path. Recently did this and it was quite easy.

[fishinwrench]

You should be able to use the old cables to run the new ones. Tape the ends together so that when you pull on the old cable you draw the new cable thru the same path. Recently did this and it was quite easy.

You can do that with rotary cables, but usually not on racks on Nitro's...unless you cut the rack off and pull the old ones out from the back (while feeding the fresh cables under the dash). Also if you are replacing factory installed cables they are usually strapped to the harness and shift/throttle cables. If you go jerking around on that you'll tear something up. We are talking about a Nitro here, where factory cables are usually secured in place before the cap is installed on the hull. I'm just sayin'....

Ronnie, Are you in the L.O. area by chance ?

Just as a "for instance", I have had several Nitros and Trackers in the shop for cable replacements, that had the floataion foam blown in ON TOP OF the electrical harness, steering and control cables.....talk about a friggin' nightmare !

I'm not trying to freak you out, I'm just telling you what to look for before stepping off in the middle of it. LOL