power steering adjustment?

[Clothman]

I have a 2006 Starcraft Aurora 2010 Limited deck boat with a Mercruiser motor. There is a "dead spot" in the steering system and I can't keep the boat going straight. I am constantly overcorrecting. Is there an adjustment to make or something else I can look into to resolve this?

If you need more info on my boat, let me know and I can get it.

Thanks!

Chris

 

[Levinz11]

Re: power steering adjustment?

Is the dead spot an issue at all speeds or only when going slowly?

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: power steering adjustment?

If this occurs at low (no wake) speed only, then you're encountering the infamous low-speed-wander common to all v-hulls ( some more than others ). Nothing to be done except to get used to it try not to overcompensate.

 

[Clothman]

Re: power steering adjustment?

It is happening at all speeds, just more noticeable at slower speeds. Its terrible. I have to believe there is an adjustment of some kind given the severity of the problem? I honestly can never get the boat going straight...

please help, lol.

 

[Bondo]

Re: power steering adjustment?

It is happening at all speeds, just more noticeable at slower speeds. Its terrible. I have to believe there is an adjustment of some kind given the severity of the problem? I honestly can never get the boat going straight...

please help, lol.

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... Then you'll need some friends to help ya find, Exactly where the steerin' Slop is,...

The helm, cable, 'n the pivot points of the drive, 'n steerin' linkages are All Suspect,...

What motor,..??

What drive,..??

 

[Clothman]

Re: power steering adjustment?

I checked power steering fluid level and it was low so I added some. I hoped that this was the issue. I took the boat out and it seemed to be better but then got worse again. It got too dark and I wasn't able to check the level again after taking it out. It is possible this issue is due to low power steering fluid.

It seems that the dead spot happens no matter where the steering wheel is at. It seems like you have to turn it a lot for the motor to actually turn, which I think is what leads to the overcorrection the other way. Not sure if this makes any sense. I will check the level again in the power steering reservoir.

In any case, to answer your question, its a Mercruiser 4.3 engine with alpha one drive.

Thoughts? Anything else I can check/adjust besides power steering fluid?

Thanks....

 

[Bondo]

Re: power steering adjustment?

I checked power steering fluid level and it was low so I added some. I hoped that this was the issue. I took the boat out and it seemed to be better but then got worse again. It got too dark and I wasn't able to check the level again after taking it out. It is possible this issue is due to low power steering fluid.

It seems that the dead spot happens no matter where the steering wheel is at. It seems like you have to turn it a lot for the motor to actually turn, which I think is what leads to the overcorrection the other way. Not sure if this makes any sense. I will check the level again in the power steering reservoir.

In any case, to answer your question, its a Mercruiser 4.3 engine with alpha one drive.

Thoughts? Anything else I can check/adjust besides power steering fluid?

Thanks....

Nope,.... Low oil won't cause that,...

Did you read my last post,..??

You need some help to hold the drive, while the steerin' wheel is shaken, then the wheel held, while the drive is shaken, While You observe the various linkage connections for Slop,...

 

[Clothman]

Re: power steering adjustment?

Sorry I did read it. Didn't know exactly what I am looking for....

 

[Clothman]

Re: power steering adjustment?

Is this something a shop could fix? I am not sure what I am doing, but it's very annoying. Thanks.

 

[Speakrdude]

Re: power steering adjustment?

Define "dead" spot. Is it hard to turn the steering wheel in that spot and easy everywhere else?
Or is it just play or slop in that spot, not really having any effect on the direction of the boat?

 

[jrclocks]

Re: power steering adjustment?

Been watching this thread as I have steering slop on my '95 Rinker 190 Captiva.

It's about an 1/8 of a revolution of play. More of a nuisance than a problem, but I'd like to know if there is an adjustment to tighten up the steering.

All help appreciated,
JR

 

[Fun Times]

Re: power steering adjustment?

Is this something a shop could fix?

Hi there, This is something that a service shop can diagnose for you to see if the steering system is working properly or not. Then you can go from there if repairs are needed or not.