www.iFourWinns.com

My H200 is less than 1 year old, and I have already had the power steering cylinder replaced twice (under warranty, but still - this is a major job that would have cost almost a thousand dollars). Has anyone else out there had this problem?

This seems to be a new problem as far as reports on this forum go. I have yet to hear anybody complain about the steering system period. Why were the units replaced? ie. leaks, no power, etc... Once we have alittle more info maybe we can take some educated guesses.

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

Yeah, that is a strange issue. I suspect that ytour dealer is chasing symptoms and not finding the source of the problem (which I'm guessing is p/S fluid delivery). I'm thinking they find the cyllinder trashed, replace it, check the fluid l evel and call the job do ne, rather than running it and checking the fluid level again.

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

I think Jim is right on (as usual). These boats have a habit of being delivered low on PS fluid and if the owner doesn't detect that condition very quickly the PS pump can easily be damaged. That or a defect in the PS lines could be impeding the flow of fluid to the cylinder.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Thats a new one...

I will add this though. When I bought my boat the fluid was just barely at the "full" mark. Ok, not a big deal. Well, in my process of getting ready for summer, I checked the fluid to notice that it was at the bottom of the "low" mark. No leaks in the boat, where the heck is the fluid going????

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

My steering is really really stiff in my boat. At least compared to my buddies H180. Anyone with this problem? Fluid is good. Dealer told me possible cable problem?

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1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

That's exactly what I'm talking about. They fill them at the factory and barely hit the line; then they ship the boat without operating the steering system enough to fill all the lines and purge the system of air. Then you put the boat into service the first time, and within 30 minutes the pump fluid level drops clear off the stick because all the fluid has been circulated out into the previously empty system. If you hear any whine back there when turning the wheel, it's probably the PS pump starving for fluid.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

The part was replaced twice due to leaks. Both times I noticed something was wrong when I noticed red fluid in my bilge. I traced the leak to the power steering cylinder switch both times. My dealer said they had to replace quite a few last year on numerous boats.

Interesting. Who's your dealer?

I tried a google of the issue, and didn't get many relevant hits, although this hit did get me thinking:

JULY 2008 -- Volvo is recalling 1,020 MY 2008-2009 S40, V50, C30, C70 vehicles. A section of the power steering return line hose was not properly cured and does not meet specifications. The power steering hoses were manufactured in France. If the power steering return hose fails, a sudden rupture of the hose can occur. This can result in a rapid drainage of the power steering fluid in the system and a complete loss of power assistance, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the steering return line hose assembly. The recall is expected to begin during August 2008. 08V329

Although you did say your leak was near the switch rather than at a hose.

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

The Volvo car company is owned by Ford. Volvo Penta is owned by Volvo, a completely seperate company.

Graham