Volvo DP290's Cant turn fully to starboard

[chelleon]

I have a problem with the twin DP290's in that I can turn fully to port (approx 2 1/2 turns to port) but can only get 3/4 turns to starboard.

I have checked as much as I can that there is nothing lodged between the drives, and have checked power steering fluid level.

It appeared to happen after we replaced the props in the water (trailered the legs and replaced props)

The drives are definitely not going lock to lock, as I can see the angle of the drives at port is tighter than when turning to starboard.
The feeling of hitting 'full lock' is the same and I can't force it post 3/4 turns, although I haven't actually tried to be too forceful.

Does anyone have any suggestions.?

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard.

if you have the actuator arm disconnected (pull the pin) can you turn the drive in both directions? with the arm disconnected, will the steering actuator move it that far? with the pins disconnected, will the steering cable push that far?

 

[chelleon]

welcome aboard.

if you have the actuator arm disconnected (pull the pin) can you turn the drive in both directions? with the arm disconnected, will the steering actuator move it that far? with the pins disconnected, will the steering cable push that far?

Thanks for the reply and have been meaning to join the forum for a while. !
Is this check possible to do with the boat in the water? It's a 36ft fairline and trying to avoid lift costs as it will be coming out for winter in 2 months.
If not I will try to muddle on for a few months I suspect as long as it doesn't become worse.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Is this check possible to do with the boat in the water?

yes. the tiller arm on the steering yoke is directly behind the PDS housing. has two linkages going to it. pry the top of the keeper open and pull the pins

while in the water, what ever you do, DO NOT UNCLAMP THE STEERING TILLER FROM THE YOKE. if the yoke drops, the seal no longer is functioning and water comes in the boat.......then glub....glub....glub...

however you may get wet if you have to jump in to manually move the drives to see if its your drive, cable, or actuator

I wouldnt operate a boat that doesnt turn

suggest when you pull it out, replacing the steering yoke bearings and seals this fall when you pull the drives to check the Bellows, U-joints and PDS bearings

 

[chelleon]

Thanks for the informative update. With twin sterndrives I never use steering to moor anyways I find it too difficult.

I will give that a go this weekend. Will google which is the glub glib tiller arm yoke and stay well clear!!

Sounds like a plan! Thanks again and will get it fully checked out over winter.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the tiller arm is clamped onto the splinned shaft of the steering yoke. the clamp force is what holds the steering yoke up. just dont take out the bolt or loosen it and your fine. all other bolts on the tiller arm are ok to remove with the boat in the water.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi
You mention that the drive isn't turning as much to stbd as it is port...understood...but having had this drive on a few boats, I found that when turning, she always turned much better and in a smaller radius to port. This is because of the Prop walk effect. Even with the duo props. Most if not all right hand orientated prop configurations will be the same.
Just in case that helps you. Not sure why it would visually not turn as far to each side though.