Play in Power Steering... and No Fluid

[greg82255]

Hello,

I have a 1986 Merc 260/Alpha One, 750 hours give or take. I bought the boat last fall and I was told it was always dealer serviced (but who knows). I was steering the boat at the dock with the hatch open and noticed some play in the power steering assembly - not the pump on the motor, the piston and cable assembly mounted on the transom plate. When I turn the wheel the steering assembly (cable, cylinder etc) moves like there is some play in the bolts that hold it on. Is this normal?

Also, I decided to check the steering fluid and found that the pump was completely empty. Not a drop of fluid and not sure how its been like that. Could something be damaged, and how could I check for it? I haven't noticed any issues steering at any speed.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Play in Power Steering... and No Fluid

The piston & cable on the transom has a pivot on it and when it extends and retracts it turns in whatever direction the tiller arm causes it to. Does that make any sense?
Put some power steering fluid in the reservoir and then watch to see if it comes out anywhere, then run the motor and watch some more. Repair any leaks. Once you have good non-leaky connections you can run the motor and turn the steering back & forth to fill the rack with fluid. You will need to refill the reservoir a few times if it's really dry.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Play in Power Steering... and No Fluid

Hello,

I have a 1986 Merc 260/Alpha One, 750 hours give or take. I bought the boat last fall and I was told it was always dealer serviced (but who knows). I was steering the boat at the dock with the hatch open and noticed some play in the power steering assembly - not the pump on the motor, the piston and cable assembly mounted on the transom plate. When I turn the wheel the steering assembly (cable, cylinder etc) moves like there is some play in the bolts that hold it on. Is this normal?

Also, I decided to check the steering fluid and found that the pump was completely empty. Not a drop of fluid and not sure how its been like that. Could something be damaged, and how could I check for it? I haven't noticed any issues steering at any speed.

Ayuh,... Did ya Fill it up, 'n Try it,..??

 

[greg82255]

Re: Play in Power Steering... and No Fluid

Ayuh,... Did ya Fill it up, 'n Try it,..??

Not yet, took the boat back to the dock and went to get some fluid. I'm going to go back tomorrow and put it in the boat. I mostly wanted to know if I did any damage running it without fluid. Not sure how the power steering pump works - if I ran the engine or drive without oil, or the impeller without water, they would not last more than a few seconds. Apparently its not the case with the power steering pump?