Power steering Issue

Toddely · **Posted:** Mon Aug 19, 2013 8:57 am

Hey all, I was on my way across the lake last night and realized my steering was getting hard to turn, Stopped and looked to make sure the power steering belt was still on, I noticed that my fluid was sitting at the bottom of the boat. I haven't been able to dig into it yet and see if its a hose, or the pump itself. I was wondering if anyone has had this issue. If so how easy of a fix was it. Hose would be an easy fix. Replacing the pump doesn't seem to hard either. Thanks

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Mon Aug 19, 2013 9:17 am

Toddely wrote:

I noticed that my fluid was sitting at the bottom of the boat

Umm, you mean all your powers steering fluid was in the bilge? Is it still there? Hopefully you didn't discharge it over board, via bilge pump or hull plug. How did you get back to dock/ramp? If you ran your power steering pump with no fluid, it more than likely is toast. But you are correct in that either hose or pump is relatively simple to replace, however they are not cheap.

Toddely · **Posted:** Mon Aug 19, 2013 10:18 am

I didnt have much farther to make it to the boat ramp, I left the fluid untill i got the boat out of the water, opened the drain plug and let her flow in a gallon water jug. Wasnt much really. Ya I wasn't sure if it would be damaged or not. anyone know where to pick one up at?

rpengr · **Posted:** Mon Aug 19, 2013 10:23 am

Your problem could be a simple as a rusted reservoir on the PS pump. My understanding is that the pump is the same as automotive, so it is not too expensive from an auto parts store.

Ask them to look up a ps pump from a 90's chevy pickup or suburban with a 5.7 engine, and see if it matches. 80's should be the same also.

Ray

captwalt · **Posted:** Mon Aug 19, 2013 10:28 am

Its the same as the automotive so you will save a bunch if you go that route.

For what it is worth I had the job of replacing the PS pump and pulley on mine and they are estimating 2 hours of work. If time wasn't an issue for me I know I could do it easily in 3.

ric · **Posted:** Mon Aug 19, 2013 10:38 am

The power steering pump is $35 USD. It's a standard saginaw pump used in millions of cars. You buy the pump from the local autoparts store and rent a pulley puller. Pull off the pulley, bolt off the reservoir, bolt and install the pulley to the new pump, and it's done!! Been there done that on my 2000 H180.

BUT, the culprit of my H180's power steering leak was the steering hydraulic ram. It has a high pressure seal that wears out. You can either take off the ram and have a shop custom make you a new seal for around $100, or buy a new steering ram for $450.

That's if that's leaking (probably). Look at it behind the engine see if fluid comes out when you turn the wheel.

Toddely · **Posted:** Mon Aug 19, 2013 10:57 am

Awsome, Ya they want $398 for a pump, (Marine) sheew.. going to dig into it and try and match it up at a auto part store, Thanks guys.. Ric , I remember you talking about your leak back when you had yours, I couldnt find the thread to it. I wanted to see what your issue was.. Thanks for the info.

ric · **Posted:** Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:07 am

I didn't do either, I just looped the power steering hose on the pump. It was an 18ft boat, didn't need power steering

Toddely · **Posted:** Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:09 am

You must be a beast.. lol its easy to steer at idle but at throttle it gets hard to fight the prop. lol I guess it would make for a good workout.

EvilZ · **Posted:** Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:09 am

Mine was a leak at the ram also. It was damned hard (and expensive) to diagnose. Dealer replaced the pump and reservoir before I took it elsewhere to get the ram replaced.

http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=4490

Toddely · **Posted:** Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:14 am

ya you almost have rubber arms to be able and reach that far back to remove the hoses from the ram. I am going to dig into it this week and get it figured out.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

I may have same issue with the ram..mine leaks when sitting and cold so I assume once heated the seal expands and it stops. I think there was some kind of recall but have no idea if the still honor it for older models.

May be worth a call though.

For what's it worth I find no oil trail and ram feels dry, or at least the little section I can touch. I will have to swap it myself but have no iDea how to get to it.

Toddely · **Posted:** Tue Aug 20, 2013 9:47 am

I didn't tear into it yet but I did take a quick look and see what was going on. I still have about half a reservoir full of fluid, so now I now I didn't dump it all. I remember seeing the pully was wet with fluid when I stopped and looked to see if the belt was off. I believe the leak is in front of the engine. either the hose fitting, or pump, or bad reservoir.. I am going to dig into it Thursday afternoon. I may put more fluid back in the reservoir and see where it is leaking for sure. Anyone know what type of power steering fluid it would be? Wasnt sure if there was anything saying it had to be Marine? Thanks guys

ric · **Posted:** Tue Aug 20, 2013 10:12 am

230 Mike · **Posted:** Tue Aug 20, 2013 10:26 am

The official fluid is Volvo #3851039. Which is ATF, most likely one of the Dexrons, but not sure which one. It is just an automotive pump with automotive fluid.

www.iFourWinns.com

Power steering Issue

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