Power Steering Leak

MdRobins35 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 04, 2010 10:16 am

Okay, I have searched the forum and came across a few topics that hit on this but nothing was on target of what I am seeing/experiencing.

The power steering reserve has required 3 bottles over the past 6 months, which I believe is due to a leak. The issue is I cannot locate the leak and have tried everything, tightened all clamps, and checked all hoses and so on.
There is only an oily substance in the bilge, under the gas tank and up into the ski locker. So I know where the steering oil is, the bottom of the boat, but no clue where it is coming from! :evil:

First, what else do you think I should look for or try?

Second, has anyone tried this product to see if it helped?
Lucas power steering leak additive

Thanks for any help guys,
Matt

EvilZ · **Posted:** Wed Aug 04, 2010 11:40 am

Hey Matt,

Sounds like a very familiar story to me....after my dealer replaced the power steering pump to no avail, I took it elsewhere and they finally figured out that my actuator was leaking somewhere very difficult to see.

Ended up replacing the actuator and all is well.

Did not try the leak stop oil, though.

Good luck.

Erik

Graham R · **Posted:** Wed Aug 04, 2010 12:02 pm

Have you checked in the vicinity of the power steering fluid cooler at the back of the engine?

Graham

MdRobins35 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 04, 2010 1:00 pm

Graham R wrote:

Have you checked in the vicinity of the power steering fluid cooler at the back of the engine?

Graham

Hey Graham,
I have checked any place my hands and head can go...no dirty jokes guys! :roll:

That doesn't mean it is leaking there. I would just suspect that there would be drip marks on the bilge floor or some indicator saying the leak is around this area, on hoses or fittings.

Could it only be when the engine is ON and the power steering pump is under pressure? Which is then sending the small drips of oil all over the place cause of the belt or something like that?

Thanks

230 Mike · **Posted:** Wed Aug 04, 2010 1:03 pm

MdRobins35 wrote:

Could it only be when the engine is ON and the power steering pump is under pressure?

It sure could.

MdRobins35 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 04, 2010 1:09 pm

Looks like I'll be hooking the water to the engine flush within the engine bay. Tried the muffs and they just did not seal around the intakes well enough for me. So going to try the other method.

T B D...

aguyindallas · **Posted:** Wed Aug 04, 2010 2:48 pm

Mine leaks a couple ounces per season. I will have it addressed when I put her away this winter. My dealer tells me there is a seal on the actuator that is a known issue on these units...probably the cause. You are going through WAY more fluid than most though...I would get it addressed sooner than later. Eventually that thing may start pouring fluid out and you may burn up our PS pump just trying to limp back to the dock.

MdRobins35 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 04, 2010 2:54 pm

aguyindallas wrote:

Mine leaks a couple ounces per season. I will have it addressed when I put her away this winter. My dealer tells me there is a seal on the actuator that is a known issue on these units...probably the cause. You are going through WAY more fluid than most though...I would get it addressed sooner than later. Eventually that thing may start pouring fluid out and you may burn up our PS pump just trying to limp back to the dock.

That is my main concern and why we pulled her out and she is sadly sitting on the trailer...until I can figure the cause.

Is the actuator the piece that actually moves the unit from left to right that is placed in the far back corner of the engine bay?

EvilZ · **Posted:** Wed Aug 04, 2010 3:12 pm

Quote:

Is the actuator the piece that actually moves the unit from left to right that is placed in the far back corner of the engine bay?

That's the one....

Here is what it looks like on mine:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=4490

MdRobins35 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 04, 2010 3:17 pm

EvilZ wrote:

Quote:

Is the actuator the piece that actually moves the unit from left to right that is placed in the far back corner of the engine bay?

That's the one....

I did have my dad turn the wheel while I had my head stuck back there to see if anything leaked and I didn't see anything...

Well time to see if I can twist my body to fit back there and check the seals...or would any of you guys let me borrow one of your small kids for an afternoon? :mrgreen:

Just kidding.

EvilZ · **Posted:** Wed Aug 04, 2010 3:19 pm

Editied my post above to add a link:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=4490

I couldn't see the leak on mine either - running or not.

MdRobins35 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 04, 2010 3:32 pm

EvilZ wrote:

Editied my post above to add a link:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=4490

I couldn't see the leak on mine either - running or not.

Thanks a ton Evilz !!

Graham R · **Posted:** Wed Aug 04, 2010 4:30 pm

MdRobins35 wrote:

EvilZ wrote:

Quote:

Is the actuator the piece that actually moves the unit from left to right that is placed in the far back corner of the engine bay?

That's the one....

I did have my dad turn the wheel while I had my head stuck back there to see if anything leaked and I didn't see anything...

Well time to see if I can twist my body to fit back there and check the seals...or would any of you guys let me borrow one of your small kids for an afternoon? :mrgreen:

Just kidding.

You can buy a small mirror fitted with an universal joint on the end of a telescopic pole (like a car telescopic aerial); I have one from many years ago. Provided you can get enough light in there, you can see things in the depths of an engine installation from virtually any angle.

Graham

MdRobins35 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 05, 2010 8:50 am

Thanks Graham will have to check out walmart...

I love this forum :mrgreen:

millhaven_nice_guy · **Posted:** Thu Aug 05, 2010 10:00 am

My guess is that you have a pinhole leak in your power steering cooler that is letting the fuid be expelled with your exhaust. The fluid will be forced out when the system is under pressure circulated through the cooling system and then expelled out your hub. It must be very minute but constant to lose that much fluid. I would pull the cooler and take it to a rad shop for a pressure test. It's located vertically on the rear of your engine (just follow the power steering pump lines)

www.iFourWinns.com

Power Steering Leak

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