www.iFourWinns.com

Hi guys! I have the exact same problem that JDHFX had earlier this year.

I've narrowed the problem down to the cable helm system....sounds like things are coming apart in there. I Need help figuring out which replacement helm system I need. I looked at the system I have and can't find a part number. Do i need to replace the cable with the helm system as 1 unit? Anyone happen to know the part #? Thanks

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

I'm about 90% sure it is this gearbox I need.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Teleflex-Safe-T-QC-Tilt-Rotary-Helm-SH91523-/160638341474
To install this can I just feed the old cable thru it? I've only replaced one of these and it was on a 1973 starcraft...and it came with the cables.

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

Do not replace ANYTHING until you are sure the STEERING RAM is greased. Volvo Penta requires annual regreasing with triple guard grease to be spread on the ram.

When I bought my 278 Vista this past spring, I could barely turn the steering wheel. I thought the cable had frozen. NOPE, the previous original owner never greased the ram!!

Greased it up, I have butter smooth steering now.

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21

Jeez you've had some bad Karma going this year. I'm going to stop parking next to you. Maybe I should say a few Hail Mary's over my new anchor just to be safe.

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2008 Vista 278 Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi 375 hp
1999 Horizon 220 5.7 GSi

Thanks! I greased the steering ram up for the first time last spring after reading about it here. If I watch the back of the steering gear housing I can see the end of the shaft rotating in an oblong fashion. The input shaft to the gear box has excessive lateral runout which leads me to believe a bearing or bushing inside the box has failed.


You arent kidding!! I've seriously considered quitting this boating stuff so many times this year because of this run of bad luck. I've got the craigslist ad written out and if it werent for Dana basically telling me selling is not an option that boat would have been long gone. This winter we will decide if we should carry on with the Seapickle or trade her in for a newer model. At this point I've put so much work into her this year she practically is new

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"