Hydraulic Steering issues

J

jrou111

Member
So I went to fire up the boat for the first time since I bought it, and the steering wheel would turn freely without the outboard moving at all. I saw some oil residue on the floor at the base of the console, so I think it's got a leak at the helm pump. I'm going to top it off and see if it'll work again, then try and locate the seals to fix the root problem.

I'll try to take some pics of the job too.

:pic:
 
Did you fix the problem?

I've experienced a similar problem... I have about 50 degrees of play in the steering wheel. Is it as simple as add hydraulic fluid to it and bleed the system? Thanks
 
Bass, no experience here except for installing a hydro system on my V. I can tell you that before you add oil you can turn the wheel and the motor won't turn. Add oil and it will turn. I'd say adding oil and bleeding should fix your problem (most likely).
 
Bass it should be on the helm just behind the steering wheel. Look for a little cap that looks like a 1/5 the size gas cap. You'll need 1 fill tube that screws on top of the hydraulic oil container for filling (much like the ones for filling the lower unit with oil) and another that you slide over the 2 nipples (one at a time) located on the steering arm. If you know what steering system you have use google to look up the method for filling/bleeding.

Fill it first then when full, bleed. Bleeding the involves loosening the nipple (w/hose leading to a container to catch excess) on the arm near the motor and turning the steering wheel while applying pressure to the motor. All the while still having the fill hooked up on the helm to get it completely full. This forces air out of the nipple and once you see no more air bubble tighten and do the other one.

The system can be filled and bled from dead empty with 2 quarts of hyd. oil.....that's what comes with a new system.

During my install I concluded that the manufacturer really want you to take it to somebody to have it worked on because the instructions were vague or missing all together!
 
Problem solved for now, all I had to do was add power steering fluid and bleed. The power steering fluid is lighter weight and has less detergents then hydraulic oil. Now, if this frigging rain would take a vacation, I'll go for a sea trial...
 
Good deal Bass. Hey you been smoking any pork or chickens lately? I'm starting to get the bug for some ribs. :beer:
 
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