Bowrider 185 Power Steering Leak

[Bohica]

I'm new to the forum, but a long time SeaRay owner. Only got the boat out once this year. As I was preparing it for storage afterwards, I noticed the power steering reservoir was empty (it was full before taking the boat out). No leak around the reservoir so guessing it's at or near the power steering unit which resides somewhere abaft of the engine. I've turned wrenches for many years on cars, but have not needed to do much on my boats, especially this one. For those of you having had this issue, is this something a backyard mechanic can go after? Does anyone have advice on the repair or recommend a good manual for this engine and accessories? Many thanks for any feedback.

Mike

 

[hughespat57]

Did the oil end up in the bilges?
Pressure hose from pump to steering unit can leak or fittings come loose.
Return hoses from unit to oil cooler or at cooler or pump clamps can come loose.
If no oil inside the boat then the oil cooler may have an internal leak. You will typically see an oil sheen behind the boat when running.

 

[BillK2632]

^^^ beat me too it!
If no obvious leaks around the reservoir then check at the PS rack at the back of the motor. If you still are not finding the leak then it is likely in the PS cooler which is also mounted at the back of the engine. If it is the PS cooler, the fluid is going out through the exhaust with the cooling water. You can pull the hoses off the PS cooler and see if there is steering fluid in it - it would be residue from being mixed with water. If it is not leaking inside the boat that's the only other place it could be going.

 

[Bohica]

Did the oil end up in the bilges?
Pressure hose from pump to steering unit can leak or fittings come loose.
Return hoses from unit to oil cooler or at cooler or pump clamps can come loose.
If no oil inside the boat then the oil cooler may have an internal leak. You will typically see an oil sheen behind the boat when running.

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, the oil is in the bilge which is what alerted me to a problem.

 

[Bohica]

^^^ beat me too it!
If no obvious leaks around the reservoir then check at the PS rack at the back of the motor. If you still are not finding the leak then it is likely in the PS cooler which is also mounted at the back of the engine. If it is the PS cooler, the fluid is going out through the exhaust with the cooling water. You can pull the hoses off the PS cooler and see if there is steering fluid in it - it would be residue from being mixed with water. If it is not leaking inside the boat that's the only other place it could be going.

Thanks for the feedback. Oil is in the bilge area so I'll see what needs to be removed to get to the back of the engine.

 

[Pirate Lady]

I got same problem. We gonna wait til spring when boat in water and running to try to find it, no fluid in bilge.