2004 5.0 Mercruiser MPI

[Packers4ever]

Hey guys,

Just took my 2004 Crownline 202BR out of storage and was checking all the fluid levels...I noticed that the power steering level wasn't showing on the dip stick at all. I'm sure I checked this last year and the level was fine. Is it common for this motor to use some fluid or do I definelty have a leak/problem? When I put it away in the fall the power steering was working perfectly, I haven't had it in the water this year to figure out if its still working.

I don't see any oil in the bilge that would indicate a leak...the motor has approx 220 hours.

Any thoughts would be appriaciated!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: 2004 5.0 Mercruiser MPI

Hey guys,

Just took my 2004 Crownline 202BR out of storage and was checking all the fluid levels...I noticed that the power steering level wasn't showing on the dip stick at all. I'm sure I checked this last year and the level was fine. Is it common for this motor to use some fluid or do I definelty have a leak/problem? When I put it away in the fall the power steering was working perfectly, I haven't had it in the water this year to figure out if its still working.

I don't see any oil in the bilge that would indicate a leak...the motor has approx 220 hours.

Any thoughts would be appriaciated!!

Ayuh,.... Who winterized the motor, 'n how was it done,..??

My WAGuess is the P/S Cooler wasn't, 'n it's Split,...
Yer P/S fluid is in yer water line,...

 

[Packers4ever]

Re: 2004 5.0 Mercruiser MPI

I winterized it myself by reading the manual, it has the blue knob at the top and 2 blue screws (one top and one bottom) I opened them all up and it drained for several minutes...I also left the blue knob at the top open all winter...

I have started it up in my driveway and it runs perfectly and no water or fluid was leaking...no where in the manual did it say I had to drain the power steering pump or lines...

With all the said it was stored in a heated warehouse that never got below 35 degrees, most of the time it was at 40-45 degrees...

 

[Fun Times]

Re: 2004 5.0 Mercruiser MPI

While it's not common to use up power steering fluid it may have been low but still registered a little at last check depending on temperature. If you can't locate a leak anywhere then there is a possibility that the fluid could flow out of an internally leaking power steering cooler.

The best thing to try would be to add the correct amount of fluid and start the engine and keep an eye on the oil level while turning the wheel, also try to watch the exhaust water flow to see if it appears oily.

Also check the power steering actuator really well to see if you can locate any oil on or around it. If it's a small leak you may not notice it right away inside the bilge area .

Let us know, Good luck.

 

[Packers4ever]

Re: 2004 5.0 Mercruiser MPI

Will do and thanks for the pointers!! I'll let you what I find...

 

[Packers4ever]

I have been away for a couple weeks and just looked at the manual last night, it says to use ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for the power steering resevoir...does this make sense to everyone?

Thanks!

 

[Packers4ever]

Turns out it was just low, added some ATF and everything has been great since...thanks.