www.iFourWinns.com

It was suggested that I move this post to Engine, Drive, Prop:

For about the last two years, I'd been losing power steering fluid, but couldn't figure out where it was going. There were no signs of it in the bilge or leaks around the hoses. And the fluid loss wasn't consistent....sometimes the fluid level was low, other times no change.

About two months ago I put the boat in at the ramp, fired it up and noticed an oil slick behind the transom and the power steering pump was nearly dry. Then it dawned on me....the power steering cooler was leaking fluid into the cooling system. I pulled the cooler off and sure as heck there were two blisters on the inner fluid tube.

A new cooler from Mercury was about 350 bucks and a royal pain in the butt to change.

Can't complain a whole bunch.....the boat is 27 years old.

And the PS fluid is stable now.


Wavy

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1986 216 Santara Sport
4.3 205HP V-6

I replaced my cooler and purchased it from Mr.Cool for about $150.00 much cheaper. It also took my a minute to find my leak. Power steering reservoir was always empty with no signs of leaking in or around the bilge.

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'96 200 Horizon 5.8l VP/SX

Great Tip. Thanks.

Here are the links for Mr Cool:
Mr Cool - Volvo: http://www.mrcool.us/engine-products/heat-exchangers-and-oil-coolers/volvo-penta-marine/volvo-penta-marine-coolers.html
Mr Cool - Mercruiser: http://www.mrcool.us/engine-products/heat-exchangers-and-oil-coolers/volvo-penta-marine/volvo-penta-marine-coolers.html

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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

Just out of curiosity, do we really need a power steering cooler? Couldnt you just have bypassed it and saved $350?

BTW, I understand the importance of a PS cooler in an automotive application; hot underhood temps, towing, city driving (lots of steering) and such but on a boat the engines run at 150 and you are going mostly straight for periods of time.
It seems Ive read on the web people have bypassed their PS coolers and gone 150+ hours with no problem....

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21

This is why it's important to make sure that cooler is really drained when you winterize. Disconnect that hose at the Thermo housing and point it down in the bilge to get the water out. Then, fill it with -100 no tox antifreeze to push out any remaining water. Fill it till the AF runs out the water intakes. They have drain plugs on those coolers but they are very tough to get at.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Well, even when going straight, the drive may be trying to pull to one side due to prop rotation, and the PS pump is counteracting that pull, and generating heat. Also, the steering hydraulic cylinder is enclosed in the hot engine compartment with zero wind, unlike the steering mechanism under a car.

You might get away without one, but why take a chance if you can get an aftermarket cooler for $150. My 2c worth.

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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings