8 replies to this topic

[Iamtechnogod]

I have a 2004 Sportster LE DI. Purchased two weeks ago new from a dealer. Been on the water twice.
First time was great fun, no problems. Second time was great untill the boat would no longer turn left when above about 20mph.
Anyone else have this problem and what was the fix???

[Iamtechnogod]

Ok, found the problem. The steering cable is routed under the expansion chamber in the engine compartment. The steering cable housing had melted from being in contact with the expansion chamber, causing the steering cable itself to be exposed. Which in turn allowed it to "bend" out when turning the steering wheel left. Turning right pulls on the cable which pulls the venturi to the right causing the boat to turn right while turning left pushes the cable which pushes the venturi to the left, but with the cable housing being melted the cable was being pushed out instead of turning the venturi.

[Kevin Leclair]

Welcome to the site Iamtechnogod and I am glad you got your problem figured out!

[tiggerman]

Ditto..Welcome to the site! This could have been (IS) a real safety issue as far as I'm concerned. Chances are your boat isn't the only one with the cable routed the same way. Is your dealer repairing it?

[Iamtechnogod]

Here is a pic.

Attached Files

•  000_0054.JPG   339.93KB   35 downloads

[tiggerman]

Go visit the US Coast Guard and fill out this form:
http://www.uscgboati...ers_report.aspx

This is how to report a safety defect on a boat that is less than 5 years old. This IS a safety defect.... I can see from the pic that the cable get pretty hot. That was a fire hazard as well. I'd say luck was with you on this one.

[willy]

I have a 2004 Sportster LE DI. Purchased two weeks ago new from a dealer. Been on the water twice.
First time was great fun, no problems. Second time was great untill the boat would no longer turn left when above about 20mph.
Anyone else have this problem and what was the fix???

What side of the engine it the cable on? I guess I need to check my new sportster LE DI also......

[Iamtechnogod]

Alright, just got the boat back and everything is fixed. Apparently the motor overheated (yes, I did hear the beeps but when I called the dealer he assured me I was probably low on oil and it would be ok to get it back to the dock, turns out a small water hose connection was broke.) and not only was the cable melted but a couple of rubber connectors also. Everything was covered under warranty. Motor was checked out and given a clean bill of health. Will be at Medina lake in Tx on Sunday (barring rain). Yahoo!! No, not the internet site. Just Yahooooooooo!!!!!!!!

[Kevin Leclair]

Well congrats on getting everything taken care of, now get back to DOO'ing it!