1985 OMC 3.0 steering

[wizard]

I have a 1985 OMC 3.0. Had it out on the weekend and at slow speed it would not stay strait. Had to fight the steering well going slow. Once got it up on plane all was great.
What do you think it is or where should I start looking.
Thanks

 

[Jerryjerry05]

Snaking or wandering.It could be a drive that's loose, hold the steering wheel and have someone push against the drive. If it moves back and forth? Then the skeg, is it there?The trim tab,sometimes it needs to be turned to help. Keep the drive all the way down.How big is the boat? Maybe install trim tabs. Then run with the tabs all the way down.that will help.

 

[hystat]

Is this a new issue? used to go straighter?
I have never known a single prop i/o to go straight at slow speeds. sounds normal.

 

[wizard]

Yes it is new in the way it use to wander abit but now you almose have to fight with the steering

 

[hystat]

cable tensioning described here
http://marinemechanic.com/2000/answerman/tru-course.htm

after that, a visual inspection to make sure neither of the drum screws backed out, and the trunnion caps are tight on the intermediate etc.
Get up under the helm too and make sure everything tight.