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I have a 1997 horizon 20' with a volvo penta 5.7l MPI.

I had a power steering leak coming from the pump. There was hose that was slightly loose. After tightning and adding more fluid, no more leaks. I ran the motor and move the sterring wheel back and forth several times to flush any air out.

All was fine until the third time out after the fluid filling. I started having an issue with the steering. Everytime i move the wheel to either the right or left it gets to a certain point then the wheel jumps. It kind of feels like the wheel is skipping a gear, thats the best way to describe it.

It took it to an independant mechanic and he looked at the helm, steering cable and all looked good. He seems to think the steering cylinder is bad.

Anybody had this issue or have heard of this before? I really dont want to replace a $600 part if that isnt it.

Is there a way to trouble shoot the steering cylinder?

Thanks

Chuck.

No comments?

So i tried lubing the ram as suggested. I moved the steering wheel back and forth several times with engine off and running. But it didnt seem make difference.

One thing i notice that i dont the jumping/skipping feeling when the engine is off. I only feel it with the engine running.

How low did the fluid get? The pump may have been damaged because of the leak. They don't have to run long for that to happen, if the fluid is low.

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

It ran pretty low to where it didnt register on the cap/stick. It probably took a half a qt to fill up.

That's not low. You know it's low when it makes noises LOL. GM snaginaw power steering pumps can work with vegetable oil if needed. They are not really picky as long as the fluids mix.


I don't think it's the ram. The pressure o-ring doesn't get picky. It's good or bad. The outer seal if it was bad would leak. If the inner seal was bad you would just notice steering was a tad harder then new. Other then that, there's no other parts in that $600 unit to go bad. It's just a hydraulic ram like on a tractor. Nothing like power steering on a car.

I would look at the connections from the ram to the outdrive. Worn out pin, joint, etc.

Could be pump too. Not enough oil supply could make it do weird things. You can pick up a new pump at the auto parts store for $25-$40. Comes without the tank. Just unbolt it off the old one and put it on the new one. Bolt on boat, go.

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1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

I've heard GM pumps groan without being especially low. Still sounds like the pump to me.

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

Anyone know where there is a cross reference chart for marine to auto? I want to see about getting the pump at the auto parts store and not a marine shop.

It's a snaginaw pump. any 80's car.

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread