Power Steering Fluid Disappearing.... A Mistery

[cbr1574]

Can anyone help me.

The hydraulic fluid in my power steering is disappearing. I keep feeling it up every time I go out on the boat for the day.

I look everywhere to see where the fluid I going to and nothing.

Can anyone give a clue, what is happening and where is the fluid going.


Thank so much, for all you guys help.

Sea Ray ? Seville II ? 1986
19 Ft. Cuddy Cabin
Mercruiser 140 HP
Alpha One Outdrive

 

[tractoman]

Re: Power Steering Fluid Disappearing.... A Mistery

Crack in the cooler probably and flushing out to the lake.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Power Steering Fluid Disappearing.... A Mistery

Crack in the cooler probably and flushing out to the lake.

...gotta agree with the 'ol tractoman.....but:

Seems kinda odd that the cooler would rupture on the oil side.....usually, due to not winterizing the power steering cooler, the water side will freeze burst and leak water into the steering fluid.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Power Steering Fluid Disappearing.... A Mistery

Crack in the cooler probably and flushing out to the lake.

Exactly. You better be careful or you will be right up there with BP and Exxon as far as oil spills...

 

[Don S]

Re: Power Steering Fluid Disappearing.... A Mistery

Seems kinda odd that the cooler would rupture on the oil side.....usually, due to not winterizing the power steering cooler, the water side will freeze burst and leak water into the steering fluid.

Corrosion on the water side of the oil tubes inside the cooler is usually what causes the oil to leak. Usually just a very small pinhole. Removing the cooler and pressure testing the (drained) oil side of the cooler while the cooler is in a bucket of water will show the leak as bubbles.

 

[cbr1574]

Re: Power Steering Fluid Disappearing.... A Mistery

Can any please tell me how the oil cooler looks like.

Why would it not leak inside of the bilge compartment?

I boat in South Florida (Fort Lauderdale) no need to winterize the engine.


Thank you, so much once more.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Power Steering Fluid Disappearing.... A Mistery

similiar to item 18 http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...br=1940&bnbr=12&bdesc=STANDARD+COOLING+SYSTEM

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Power Steering Fluid Disappearing.... A Mistery

Can any please tell me how the oil cooler looks like.

Why would it not leak inside of the bilge compartment?

I boat in South Florida (Fort Lauderdale) no need to winterize the engine.


Thank you, so much once more.

It's a tiny shell and tube heat exchanger, steering fluid flows through a tube surrounded by water flowing through the shell, if a tube is compromised than oil will leak into the shell and a mixture of oil and water will be carried through the cooling system and discharged out the exhaust.

 

[christoner2002]

Re: Power Steering Fluid Disappearing.... A Mistery

Anyone know where these are available? It
looks like they are no longer available from MerCruiser.

 

[cbr1574]

Re: Power Steering Fluid Disappearing.... A Mistery

Hello ,,,,, once more

Is there anyway of testing the power steering fluid cooler?

Just want to make sure it?s the problem. I did a search and I saw they are not that cheap to replace.

Thank you

 

[CheeseCutter]

Re: Power Steering Fluid Disappearing.... A Mistery

Hello ,,,,, once more

Is there anyway of testing the power steering fluid cooler?

Don did explain how to test/confirm:

Removing the cooler and pressure testing the (drained) oil side of the cooler while the cooler is in a bucket of water will show the leak as bubbles.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Power Steering Fluid Disappearing.... A Mistery

Just want to make sure it?s the problem.

Its the problem. You said it yourself. If there is absolutely no evidence of a leak inside your boat then that is the only other place it could be. Power Steering fluid doesn't evaporate...

I saw they are not that cheap to replace.

Welcome to the wonderful world of boat ownership...


If it flies, floats or F**ks, you are better off renting it.

 

[chaparall villain 2]

Re: Power Steering Fluid Disappearing.... A Mistery

check on ebay i looked aat one time and there were a number of them on there .... if fluid is leaking it would leak into the outer water tube that cools it then run through the engine and out the back and you would never see it