Not steering

[Jnobles]

Took my boat out in the bay a few days ago for the first time in a few months. Just had the hull and running gear cleaned "diver". I had trouble steering it seems as if there is a hydraulic leak or may be low on fluid I have no idea how or where to check it I haven't put any time into looking yet but plan on spending a few days as soon as I get time working on it. It would turn but took forever and had to turn the wheel forever before it would gradually start to turn. The wheel seems to turn freely but boat does not react. Any ideas???

 

[fwebster]

Yes, you probably have a leak in the hydraulic steering system. The most like source of the leak is at one of the fittings (needs tightening or a hose is split) or the steering ram (where the cylinder rod has some pitting on it and the pits have cut the packing in the end cap (or one of the end caps if your cylinder rod passes thru the end cap). To find the leak just look for hydraulic oil pooling or on the top of the water in the bilge sumps.

You need to get a quart of Teleflex or Sea Star steering fluid.........don't use anything else. You can top off the help pump by removing the fill cap in the top of the helm pump base near the dash. It is a small cap you can easily unscrew with your fingers. Slowly fill the cylinder and periodically turn the wheel from lock to lock several times as you fill it. Do not overfill it or turning the wheel will cause the pump to burp the excess back out of the fill hole making a mess.

There is an article at the front of the CSR site explaining a lot of this..........click "HOME" then look midway down the page for the article "Potential Steering Loss....."

 

[Jnobles]

Frank, Thank you so much for the advice! I will be sure to check all these scenarios. Your help is greatly appreciated!