Morse Control Steering - Oops...

[therrick]

In the process of replacing my helm station and instrument panel, I removed the original Morse Controls steering mechanism at the helm. I was careful to note how it all went together, except when I pulled too hard on the steering shaft. The mounting sleeve (I guess that's what you call it) was a bit stuck and came off too quickly for me to notice its orientation. This sleeve has teeth on both ends; it engages the gear box on one end and the mounting ring at the helm end. I'm at a loss to determine whether it matters how the sleeve is oriented upon re-installation, but the way it's made makes me think it does matter. Further, I can find no indicator below the bezel window; perhaps a previous owner lost it or I just don't see what's staring me in the face.

I've searched the Internet and this site for information on what appears to be a Morse Controls Command 290 rotary steering system. The Teleflex site doesn't seem to have any instructions or diagrams either. Anybody have any experience with this kind of steering?

Maybe it'll dawn on me, but if someone has a diagram or knows how to orient the sleeve, I'd sure appreciate the help.

Thanks,

Tom Herrick

[Papillon]

Bill, of Beerthirsty fame sent me his old Morse when he extended his hull because it would not reach his motor anymore. I proceeded to take the cable out of his helm unit and install it into my already installed one. I remember it became a head stracher when I tried to put it all back togeather and if it had not been for Judy, having the patiance of Job, it would not have gotton done. If memory serves me correctly, it was trial and error and about the third try we "got her done". If all else fails...get a woman involved.

[sailor-d]

I have the "Command 2" Morse cable steering system owner's manual (June 88) for the system on my 22. My system has the red jacket cable. If you think the manual would be helpful pls let me know.

cheers - Dave

[therrick]

Good advice Mike, but the wife looked at these parts, blinked, looked back at me and said 'good luck'. She's most often helpful, sees things differently (read=clearly) and keeps me focused when I'm ready to call it quits.

Dave,

Command 2 may be what I have. The closest thing I can find on the Internet is a Command 290 at the Teleflex site. This steering is on an '84 vintage C-Dory and also has the red-sheathed cable. Below (if I can work this site properly) are three pics showing the parts in question.

These are the components that I'm having trouble with. Actually, the gear box, on the left, will simply go where it goes; the steering sleeve teeth are uniform around the end. At the helm mount is where I'm clueless. The helm mount itself has teeth all the way around its interior where it meshes with the sleeve. I just don't know how to align the steering sleeve with the helm mount; its teeth don't run around the full circumference, but are grouped on opposite edges. The nylon bushings each have different sized lobes.







If you have a diagram in your manual that shows how to align the steering sleeve with the helm mount and would email me or post here directions on how to put those parts back together I'd appreciate it.

Hope to visit Chemainus again, from the water next time...

Thanks, Tom

[gljjr]

Not having one of them but being mechanical minded here are my thoughts from looking at the pictures.

The locking teeth are likely used so that you can adjust the lock to lock rotation of the steering wheel to be the same. IE the same number of turns from right to left. Since that could change depending on how the cable is situated in the gear box this gives you a bit of leeway.

Looks like an interesting puzzle!

[therrick]

It's back together and waiting for me to install the new helm station tomorrow.

Way thanks for the good book, Dave.

Tom Herrick