www.iFourWinns.com

Has anyone experienced problems with their power steering, mine seems to be intermitent, the resivoir read full when cold, but the one thing I noticied is the pump and resivoir are mounted on an angle. Could this be giving me a false reading for FULL. Is it going to hurt the pump to have to much fluid in the resivoir? Thanks everyone

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2005 horizon 190 LE 5.0 GXI Volvo

It's typical for GM power steering pumps to be mounted at an angle. I'd keep the level in the "safe" range on the stick. When the steering isn't working how long does it stay that way - a second? Minutes?

I did notice right after our boat was delivered (and several other new owners have reported the same) that the PS fluid level was low - nearly off the end of the stick. I think with new boats the factory fills everything and then runs it - but doesn't top it all off again afterwards.

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

I only have a few hours on my 298 and my power steering fluid barely wet the tip of the stick. I added some. Not sure if too much can hurt. Hope not. I think I put a little too much in.

The steering doesn't seem constant until the rpm's get up on the engine. then when i throttle down the steering is intermitent, maybe 2 or 3 seconds. Should I add fluid, and what kind of fluid; does fw use special fluid?

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2005 horizon 190 LE 5.0 GXI Volvo

Any power steering fluid tha tworks for a GM should be okay

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Yeah Volvo packages their own fluid, but any GM fluid should be OK. Note that Volvo uses the same fluid for the steering and in the trim reservoir. But I'm not sure this sounds like a low fluid condition. I wonder if you've got a pump problem?

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

Just don't do like I did this weekend and top off the drive lube resevoir with the Steering/Trim fluid. "Stupid, Stupid, Stupid". At least I caught myself right away so I haven't run the engine or drive. But I will need to replace the drive lube.

Gear lube=Outdrive lube? Is the hydraulic resivoir the same fluid as the power steering?

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2005 horizon 190 LE 5.0 GXI Volvo

Power steering and tilt/trim reservoir take the same (at least if you're using VP's fluid). The outdrive itself is, of course, completely different.

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

Can't mistake the gearlube. 75-90wt Fully synthetic Gearlube. Stinks like.... My wife tosses anything that I get gearlube on. This included my shirt the last time. She laundered it and the whole load stunk like gearlube.

I'm changing the lube in both drives today and she has already stated, wear only what you don't mind me throwing aeay. It will go in the trash!

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

The VP branded synthetic gear lube is the only substance that has come close to making me physically ill just by smelling it. It's incredible.

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

Yes, it really stinks! It's also a very good solvent for the VP brand spray on antifuling for outdrives, as I found when I overfilled by drive and ruined the beautiful spray job!

Graham

Can someone explain this a little more. Sorry for the dumb question, but is this a situation where just cause it says Volvo on it they charge more or is there an actual benefit versus the cheaper noname brand?

And what is the nonamed brand called you guys use and where are you able to locate it? I had some steering problems yesterday and checked the SP system and the dip stick is bone dry so need to pick something up quickly. Only places are either walmarts, auto parts stores or a small West Marine.

Want to make sure I get the right stuff.

Thanks in advance!!

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2007 200 Horizon- 4.3GXi/SX 225hp
2007 Tahoe LT

Just as an FYI....I was at my dealer a couple weeks ago and bought the Volvo P/S and trim pump fluid...it was like $4.00 or so....they arent totally killing you on it.

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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

I agree, for some reason the VP trim & PS fluid doesn't cost much/any more than any other.

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