1990 mercury/alumnacraft steering

[fishnfool59]

Ive got a 1990 75 mercury on a "90" Dominator that is really keeping my arms in shape with hard steering!! At first I thought that it was the connecting arms on the motor but I have greased them(maybe too much)and that doesn't help.

I don't think that it is hydraulic steering but how can I tell?? What makes me think that it might be hydro is because I have noticed some lag in the tilt of the motor. In looking they look like independent systems, but I thought I would see if anyone has had similar problems with steering?? Its been a great boat for the last 20 yrs and want to keep in shape for the next 20!!

[Valv]

Hydraulic steering became popular approx. 10 years ago for all motors 150hp and above. Before they had dual cable steering, but anything below 150hp has just standard single cable.

There is no connection with tilt & trim system, I am very confident you have a single cable system, being that you have a 90hp.

You can disconnect the cable at motor and try to see if it's still stiff. If you are mechanically inclined you can also disconnect the helm and test if is the problem, otherwise it's probably the cable itself, they get moisture inside and start deteriorating.

If you have to replace your steering cable, be sure to get the old one out first, then look on the outside housing, somewhere along the full length of the cable there is stamped the model number and possibly the length, you will need both to be able to match the replacement at the dealer.

[boatfixer]

I agree with Valv