Loose steering wheel

[Saltyone]

Was looking into why the steering wheel was loose. Found the problem, but seem to be running into a dead end for a parts diagram. It's a Seastar Tilt helm HH6541 the original one that came on the boat 2000 265. I'm guessing the part that is broke is part of the tilt assembly. I know Skunk mentioned that the "new" classic tilts assemblies are not compatible with old tilt pumps and vise versa.

I'm hoping not to have to buy a complete helm, but looks like that might be the case.

I did find a seastar HA6523, but can't seem to find if it's for the new or old tilt helm.

Any suggestions?

I dont think the metal in the plastic cover is supposed to stay in there.

 

[Hookup1]

That bushing may belong in there.

When you say it’s loose what do you mean? If it wobbles all over the place ( bad bushing) or just side-to-side (bad universal).

 

[DennisG01]

I don't have the answer.... but call Dometic and talk to them. They'll know if a part can be repalced (nad will know exactly what you need) or if you have to replace the entire unit. Have as much info about your system (and pics) available as you can.

 

[Saltyone]

That bushing may belong in there.

When you say it’s loose what do you mean? If it wobbles all over the place ( bad bushing) or just side-to-side (bad universal).

It wobbles all over. If you look close, you can see that metal bushing still pressed into a piece of metal that broke off the tilt mechanism.

 

[Saltyone]

And now that I look more closely, it's been repaired at some point. That looks like JB weld on the helm side, and you can see some coming out of the plastic where the broken piece is.

 

[SkunkBoat]

ya that don't look right.

Here is a pic of my old helm

 

[Saltyone]

The black extension piece I circled is what has broken off and is in the plastic trim that slides over it

 

[family affair]

You can buy a replacement tilt assembly. Not cheap, but it is supposed to be an improved redesign.

 

[Saltyone]

You can buy a replacement tilt assembly. Not cheap, but it is supposed to be an improved redesign.

For the reading I've been doing, it does look like the HA6523 is the replacement. States that it fits "Classic and traditional tilt helms".

I'll give Dometic a call Monday just to verify.

 

[SkunkBoat]

You can buy a replacement tilt assembly. Not cheap, but it is supposed to be an improved redesign.

I am not so sure you can get just a tilt assembly separately. The shaft on the helm designed for a tilt has a hole and a flat area to mount to the tilt mechanism. (look at the picture)
It is not the same as a shaft on a plain helm (tapered and threaded for a wheel).
You can't "add" a new tilt to an old helm. I know for a fact that I could not get a new helm and still use my old tilt.

So just saying... make sure it will work on the old tilt helm and be sure you are not going to need a new helm anyways.

If you might need a new helm someday anyways then it is better to buy the whole thing in one kit.

 

[family affair]

I looked into one a few years ago for my 99 Voyager. The shop who had it was confident it would fit my helm, but I was not. I ended up passing on it and sold the boat. I wouldn't buy one without a guarantee that it could be returned for a full refund.

 

[Saltyone]

Just to let everyone know, I ordered the HA6523 tilt assembly, and it fit perfect. The mounting plate and tilt mechanism are updated and look different, but the way it mounts to the dash and pump are the same.

 

[wspitler]

What was your source and cost? TIA

 

[family affair]

Ill have to add this to my to-do list.
The slop in the existing system is probably more of a quality "feel" issue than an actual problem, but it is annoying never the less. I could probably live with it if I could get the squeaking to stop, but it is tough to lube the noisy parts.
If my engines ever get hung, it will be a bipolar experience at the helm if I don't fix the steering. I'll have silky, modern electronic throttles and 1940's Allis-Chalmers steering!

 

[Saltyone]

What was your source and cost? TIA

West Marine, got it for 270ish with the holiday coupon.