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| 278 Vista Steering Ram https://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=9106 |
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| Author: | Technologic80 [ Wed Apr 18, 2012 8:50 am ] |
| Post subject: | 278 Vista Steering Ram |
How the heck are you supposed to grease the steering ram on the 278 Vista?! My steering is pretty tight. No PS fluid leaks in the bilge, and both reservoirs are at the full mark and the fluid looks clean. No unusual noises either. It just feels like I have no power steering assist at all (or maybe very, very little).  I thought greasing the ram might be a good 1st thing to do to rule out but cant for the life of me figure out how to get to it with twin engines and a generator in the way.
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| Author: | aguyindallas [ Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:39 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 278 Vista Steering Ram |
I could be wrong, but I don't think it's a grease able item. From what I understand, it's just a hydraulically actuated system. Is your steering cable in good condition or possibly kinked? It almost sounds like there is some sort of blockage in the pump or the lines. |
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| Author: | Cap'n Morgan [ Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:47 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 278 Vista Steering Ram |
I also would think it is more cable related than the ram. In a boat of that age, if the whole boat only has that few hours, it may not have been adjusted in years, and has gotten out of whack somehow. |
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| Author: | ric [ Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:04 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 278 Vista Steering Ram |
Take a hammer and lightly tap the pulley shaft. |
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| Author: | Cap'n Morgan [ Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:56 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 278 Vista Steering Ram |
ric wrote: Take a hammer and lightly tap the pulley shaft.  There are no pulleys on a hydraulic rack steering system on twin engine I/O powered boats......
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| Author: | ric [ Wed Apr 18, 2012 1:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 278 Vista Steering Ram |
Cap'n Morgan wrote: There are no pulleys on a hydraulic rack steering system on twin engine I/O powered boats...........on the power steering pumps. |
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| Author: | ric [ Wed Apr 18, 2012 1:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 278 Vista Steering Ram |
Cap'n Morgan wrote: There are no pulleys on a hydraulic rack steering system on twin engine I/O powered boats...........on the power steering pumps. |
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| Author: | Technologic80 [ Sat Apr 21, 2012 10:59 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 278 Vista Steering Ram |
I read in my OMC manual and then my Volvo manual that you should grease the steering ram every xx hours with Triple C grease and I have ever since! My steering was very tight and making sqeaking noises as I turned the wheel. It was as if I had no steering assist. Contorted by body in ungodly positions earlier, and greased the steering ram. Guess what? No more squeaking noise and my steering is feather light now!!! I bet the ram has never been greased. |
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| Author: | LouC [ Sun Apr 22, 2012 2:55 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 278 Vista Steering Ram |
Yep they call for greasing that with OMC triple guard grease (blue stuff, best water proof grease out there) every 6 months, I have always done it when I put the boat away and then when I re-commission it every spring, you have to turn the steering so that the ram is exposed and then coat the shaft with grease then work the steering back and forth. The steering actuator on the OMC Cobra also has a grease fitting that you can grease, not sure about the Volvo one. My steering is very light like an old school Chrysler that you could twirl the wheel around with a pinky.... |
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| Author: | Technologic80 [ Sun Apr 22, 2012 8:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 278 Vista Steering Ram |
So for all of you out there who didnt know you had to grease your steering ram, you've got some work to do! 
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| Author: | Paul I. [ Sun Apr 22, 2012 8:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 278 Vista Steering Ram |
Technologic80 wrote: So for all of you out there who didnt know you had to grease your steering ram, you've got some work to do! That is my question? |
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| Author: | Technologic80 [ Sun Apr 22, 2012 9:12 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 278 Vista Steering Ram |
Paul I. wrote: Technologic80 wrote: So for all of you out there who didnt know you had to grease your steering ram, you've got some work to do! That is my question? Every boat Ive owned needed the steering ram greased. If you are unsure, check your manuals. Mine spells it out clearly in the checklist to lubricate the steering ram with OMC triple guard grease every xx hours. |
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| Author: | Paul I. [ Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:20 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 278 Vista Steering Ram |
Technologic80 wrote: Paul I. wrote: Technologic80 wrote: So for all of you out there who didnt know you had to grease your steering ram, you've got some work to do! That is my question? Every boat Ive owned needed the steering ram greased. If you are unsure, check your manuals. Mine spells it out clearly in the checklist to lubricate the steering ram with OMC triple guard grease every xx hours. And I do have the service manaul, but too lazy to look but just curious. On the other hand, my boat has about 25 hours on it |
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