215 express cruiser power steering leak.

[Flagrover]

Just bought this boat and the power steering goes through 2 bottles in a day. Leaking into the bilge. I've spent a bunch of time trying to figure out where its leaking but cant identify where. The leak seems to be near the front of the engine. The rear where the steering rack is, is dry. Is there a common problem with these?

1997. 215 express cruiser mercruiser 5.7L

Thank you.

JP

 

[WaltK]

I have the same problem. Checked all over but there is no tell tale signs of where the power steering fluid is getting to the bilge. Mine is a 1999 5.7L. Any ideas

 

[Lazy Daze]

If the fluid is ending up in the bilge and the reservoir is level is dwindling, there's obviously a leak somewhere that you missed. It has to be there. Pump... lines... rack. If the engine and engine bay area isn't already clean, clean it up real good - then monitor closely. There's not much else we can do from here - you just have to look closer or take it into a shop.

 

[UltoTorker]

I have the exact issue on a 215 I bought last summer. I search for the leaK and found one of the hose clamps going from the reservoir to the PS cooler was loose. I tightened the clamp and the leak seemed to go away for a while. Now it is back. So either the clamp loosened again or the other clamp on the opposite side of the cooler is loose. Cooler is located under port side of engine.