OMC 4.3 Cobra steering is very hard to turn

[johnnya1966]

Finally tried out my recent boat purchase and the power steering seems to be non existant. Put a new belt on it and tightened it up and still the same.

Should I be getting the mechanic to check out the actuator? I have no idea if this thing was winterized properly. The block is good, I know that. It runs great.

How would I know if the actuator is pooched? The fluid in the pump is up to the right level.

 

[ccsears1981]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra steering is very hard to turn

Keep in mind even with power stearing, the wheel on the boat is going to be a little harder to turn compared to a car. Reason being is so you dont make any fast movements with the steering wheel to capsize the boat. You should be able to turn it with one had still especially at high speeds but it will have some tension on it. If you gotta use alot of effort to turn it then yes you have problems, but don't try to compare it to your automobile.

 

[Bondo]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra steering is very hard to turn

Finally tried out my recent boat purchase and the power steering seems to be non existant. Put a new belt on it and tightened it up and still the same.

Should I be getting the mechanic to check out the actuator? I have no idea if this thing was winterized properly. The block is good, I know that. It runs great.

How would I know if the actuator is pooched? The fluid in the pump is up to the right level.

Ayuh,.... Pull the cable outa the aluminum tube at the actuator, at the transom, 'n clean out all the corrosion inside it....

Then grease it up good, 'n reassemble...

 

[johnnya1966]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra steering is very hard to turn

Good advice! Thanks Bond-O! I'll give that a try.