Steering Issue 350 w/ V Drives

[WDCboater]

So I've had an issue pop up that I haven't experienced before. I can normally get my rudders over about 30 Degrees to port and starboard, but suddenly any turn to starboard stops around 18-20 degrees.

Today I got in the engine compartment to look at the mechanics to see if I spotted any issues. W/ no power to the engines, hence the power steering wasn't on, the rudders appear to have full range of motion. The piston attached to the rudder bar is traveling from one end to the other like it should.

When the engines have power, not started, but keys in, the wheel shudders when turned hard over to starboard. Vessel view shows the angle stopping at 20 degrees. Mechanically it looks like the rudders have moved the same distance as when the power was not on.

I was also curious if ther was damage to one of my props or rudders. I sent a camera under the boat and got good footage of both props, both rudders and both exhausts. Nothing appears to be damaged.

I first noticed the problem the last time I had the boat out and the wheel would not go hard over to starboard.

Any thoughts, recommendations? The boat seems to handle ok, my turning angle just isn't as tight to starboard. I'm thinking of making this an off season repair since the boat will be on land.

 

[cfd95]

Your boat is newer so I don't know what steering system you have.
Mine is sea star system there is no power steering pump on the engines.
The pump is built into the steering column.
Sounds like you have air in the system or low on fluid.
If you tilt the steering wheel is there a little cap on top of the column?
Thats where the fluid goes on mine.
my boat is a 2002 I'm sure theres been changes over the years but its a place to start.
Hope this helps.

 

[WDCboater]

Your boat is newer so I don't know what steering system you have.
Mine is sea star system there is no power steering pump on the engines.
The pump is built into the steering column.
Sounds like you have air in the system or low on fluid.
If you tilt the steering wheel is there a little cap on top of the column?
Thats where the fluid goes on mine.
my boat is a 2002 I'm sure theres been changes over the years but its a place to start.
Hope this helps.

I would immediarely think power steering fluid, but the issue is only to starboard. I can still check on this. The is a fluid access panel on the steering column. I'll check it out.

 

[dpmulvey]

+1 on air in the system. BTDT.

 

[fwebster]

It appears you are on the right track. When air gets into the steering system after the helm pump it causes problems on only the side that got a swallow of air. When there is power assist steering on the boat, the power steering pump tries to "help" reduce the steering effort and since air is compressible, the steering system can feel like it is stuttering.

 

[WDCboater]

It appears you are on the right track. When air gets into the steering system after the helm pump it causes problems on only the side that got a swallow of air. When there is power assist steering on the boat, the power steering pump tries to "help" reduce the steering effort and since air is compressible, the steering system can feel like it is stuttering.

Thanks for the info.
Any thoughts on fixing this?

 

[dpmulvey]

Check the manufacturer recommended bleeding procedures.

 

[fwebster]

Usually, you can fill the helm pump reservoir then turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times, refill and do it all over again until the bubbles work their way to the top of the reservoir.

 

[Sous]

I had the same issue previously and the problem was isolated to the ram itself having a bad seal.