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Steering Cable/Chain Length?

J

jpancake

John A. Dery
Does anyone have the lengths required for replacement steering chain & cable? I have a 1983 Morgan 384 and want to replace the steering chain and cable but I need the lengths to order the new chain and my boat is six hours away.
Thanks,
JOHN
 
John, If you are ordering from Edson, they know the size. Just bought same from them last year. Remember when you are fishing the new cables through the holes in the bottom of the pedestal to cross them ie: cable on starboard side of sprocket goes through the port side hole and vice versa. Otherwise you'll turn the wheel to the right and the boat will head left. I almost made that mistake last year. A fellow where I keep my boat had the yard do his on an insurance claim and they had it backwards until I flagged it for him (fortunately before he splashed.)
 
I may be mistaken, but if you DON'T cross the cables underneath, they won't fit through the holes in the bulkhead underneath the helm station. Mine is made out of plywood, and the cables fit with very little extra space. If I were to try to put the cables on backwards, wouldn't they rub up against the bulkhead?
 
Om my 384 they were definitely crossed inside the pedestal, I considered doing the crossover in the engine compartment but the sheaves setup wouldn't allow it.
 
I need to do this. Is the process to get the cable out and the new cable in difficult or straight forward? Last time I worked on the pedestal it was, to say the least, cramped and frustrating.
 
John we have the same boat same year and all
M 384 1983 Lee nicholas tarpon springs Fl
Like Clearwater !
 
And read the manual - you don't want the cables super-tight, as it will put undue strain on the pedestal gear. Just taut enough so there's no play in the wheel. Essentially, take up all the slack, but don't put a load on the cable.
 
Grease? I would suggest water resistant silicone. Like with garage doors, grease can be bad over time.
 
I just went with what i remembered Edson suggested. Attached is their "Comprehensive Guide", which proves my memory is going. You might find helpful.

They specified Teflon Grease for the wheel shaft bearings - and 30 wieght motor oil for the sheave pins.

http://www.edsonmarine.com/support/PDFs/maintenance/chain_and_wire_steering_comprehensive_guide.pdf


 
See attached PDF file. Edson Chain and Wire Steering Comprehensive Guide
 

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  • Chain_and_wire_steering_comprehensive_guide-20048.pdf
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Geoff: a number of years ago I had to replace my Orion cables. Believe me when I tell you it is not a fun job. I was able to get cables of the correct length from Edson. I am in Massachusetts and was able to get regular advice from them. One of the owners is a member of our club. However fittings had to be modified and cable ends changed.

This is not a fun job but I don't know what else you could do other than buying a new Edson or Lewmar complete steering system. The cost here would probably be prohibitive.

The job can be done but prepare yourself for a lot of work upside down at the bottom of the pedestal.

Good luck

Dick
 
Richard,Thanks for the advice and warnings. You have always been "Sir Richard" to us! The Orion system works smooth and non-binding and besides new control cables,adjustments ,lubrication and wire inspection is performing like new. I will contact Edson to see what I need to do for relpacement cables as a backup. Thanks again, Kanes
 
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