OMC - Major pwr steering leak

[Liquid_force]

Owned the boat for about 6 weeks, had it on the water 3 times and hadn't noticed any major steering problems. 4th trip noticed the steering system felt almost as if it has graduations every 1/8th (or so) turn of the wheel, but still maneuvering fairly easily. Checked pwr steering fluid - it wasn't registering on the dipstick. Refilled system - it was empty about 2 hrs later. Only oil type wetness appears to be right around the resorvoir. I am fairly mechanically inclined, but not sure where to start. I'd appreciate any input.

 

[akriverrat]

Re: OMC - Major pwr steering leak

if its not leaking in the boat you must have an oil cooler somewhere with an internal leak and its leaking into the cooling water.

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: OMC - Major pwr steering leak

I'm not going to have a chance to look into it closely until the weekend. My plan is to put it on muffs (I think is how they're referred to) and hope there is a hose leaking or something.

 

[desertmariner]

Re: OMC - Major pwr steering leak

there is an oil cooler aft of the engine on mine. It could be leaking inside the cooler and you would never know it. that is there woul'dn't be any pool of oil sitting in the bilge. Replace the cooler. You can find them in good shape on the ebay for about 40=50 bucks.good luck

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: OMC - Major pwr steering leak

The leak is coming from the pulley shaft area. I've decided I need to replace the whole pump assy. My question is does it HAVE to be a marine part or will a regular automotive pump from a 4.3 chevy work?<br /><br />One other thing - the pump is identified as being "metric". What exactly does that mean?

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: OMC - Major pwr steering leak

It's been a while, but...<br /><br />FWIW - I eventually found the leak. One of the hoses going in/coming out (not sure which) of the small oil cooler on the back of the motor had a BIG tear right near the clamp. Replaced the hose. No more leak.<br /><br />Also found that the return line barbed fitting on the steering fluid reservoir was not threaded on tightly. Gave it a couple turns and have been leak free for a year and a half now.