mercruiser power steering problem when engine running

[5at38off]

I have not been able to figure this one out yet. When the boat is not running I can move the outdrive with no problems. I can turn the steering wheel with the normal amount of force when a engine is not running. When the engine is running its like the steering locks up. I have to use both hands and a ton of force to get it to turn. and with more speed it pulls very hard to one side. very dangerous to drive right now. I have noticed power steering fluid has been pushed through the cap and running down the side of the pump..

 

[Bondo]

Re: mercruiser power steering problem when engine running

I have not been able to figure this one out yet. When the boat is not running I can move the outdrive with no problems. I can turn the steering wheel with the normal amount of force when a engine is not running. When the engine is running its like the steering locks up. I have to use both hands and a ton of force to get it to turn. and with more speed it pulls very hard to one side. very dangerous to drive right now. I have noticed power steering fluid has been pushed through the cap and running down the side of the pump..

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... What motor,..?? What drive,..?? What vintage,..??

Got a Serial number maybe,..??

 

[5at38off]

Re: mercruiser power steering problem when engine running

Motor is 2003 mercruiser 350 magnum horizon with 2003 bravo 1 outdrive. sorry dont have the serial here with me at work..

 

[Bondo]

Re: mercruiser power steering problem when engine running

Ayuh,.... Have ya check the fluid level, 'n color,..??

Is the fluid Milky,..??

 

[5at38off]

Re: mercruiser power steering problem when engine running

fluid is at correct level and color is perfect..

 

[Bondo]

Re: mercruiser power steering problem when engine running

fluid is at correct level and color is perfect..

Ayuh,.... Up in Don'S Adults Only section at the top of the forum are links to the factory manuals,....

In the manual, there's a section on the P/S system, explainin' it,... 'n how to fix it,....

What's the backstory on it,..?? How 'n when did it start,..??

 

[5at38off]

Re: mercruiser power steering problem when engine running

looks like everyone is as stumped as I am. little more info. I checked the steering cable. the cable is nice and loose and also the aluminum shaft. steering is with 1 finger with the cable disconnected. when I hooked it back up I could not move the steering wheel at all. looking into the fluid tank I could not see any movement of fluid at all., I am thinking my pump is not working like the valve is stuck or something. I have all the manuals but it does not explain this situation. I guess I can pull the pump and test it. then if that is not the problem it must be the actuator. if anyone has some insight that would be awesome..

 

[Bondo]

Re: mercruiser power steering problem when engine running

looks like everyone is as stumped as I am. little more info. I checked the steering cable. the cable is nice and loose and also the aluminum shaft. steering is with 1 finger with the cable disconnected. when I hooked it back up I could not move the steering wheel at all. looking into the fluid tank I could not see any movement of fluid at all., I am thinking my pump is not working like the valve is stuck or something. I have all the manuals but it does not explain this situation. I guess I can pull the pump and test it. then if that is not the problem it must be the actuator. if anyone has some insight that would be awesome..

Ayuh,.... Read the section 'bout the "Wrench Flats" bein' aligned on the actuator,...

Also, loosen the Big nut on the cable housin', 'n pull the whole cable end out,...
Tends to corrode inside the aluminum tube,..

 

[NHGuy]

Re: mercruiser power steering problem when engine running

The power assist is actuated by the force of the cable pushing a little link that goes into the power assist unit. The piece is just to port of the locking plate. It's the part the coupler nut threads into.
With the engine off try to wiggle that piece side to side. If it frees up, start the motor and see if the steering is back to normal. If it's stuck to one side it will cause the power assist to try to turn all the time. Normally the link centers and stops assisting when there's no force on that piece.
If you have something shoved in against the steering cable that could cause your trouble too. Or it may need the steering assist balanced.
If you can get a Mercruiser Service manual #6 the whole thing is described in there. Section 6A.

 

[5at38off]

Re: mercruiser power steering problem when engine running

let me ask this: when I checked my cable I could turn the wheel with 1 finger easy and all moving parts were functioning. when I put the cable back in actuator it still moved with 1 finger easily till I got it lined up with the retaining pin. once I put the pin back in I could not move the steering wheel at all.. so does that mean my actuator is binding up somewhere?

 

[NHGuy]

Re: mercruiser power steering problem when engine running

Sounds like either the actuator or the drive is stuck.