Steering issue - merc 3.0lx/alpha one

[Brando86]

I have a '99 sea ray 180 bow rider with the 3.0 merc/alpha 1. The boat steers fine when not under load, such as when you are not in the throttle much at all. When I lay into the throttle to get speed, the steering wheel wants to pull hard to the left from the torque, but after the boat planes out the steering is just very difficult to turn, and doesnt pull one way or the other without some force. In order to turn easily, I have to let off the throttle for a second then get back in while turning during the short time the throttle is down.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? I have not replaced the steering cable and believe it to the be original, but that doesnt sound like the problem. The boat does have power steering. I checked last night with the boat out of water and the cylinder behind the engine is making a squeeking noise when I turn the steering wheel, almost as if it really needs some grease in it. I can move the OD fairly easily, and the steering wheel turns when I move it in either direction.

Thanks

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Steering issue - merc 3.0lx/alpha one

Sounds like your fighting Prop Torque. You can adjust the fin anode (just above the prop) to compensate for the torque.
Look at this thread.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=287736&highlight=adjusting+trim+anode

 

[Brando86]

Re: Steering issue - merc 3.0lx/alpha one

My alpha one didnt come with the trim tab on it. Should I look into picking one up then?

I did forget to mention that this just happened all the sudden. It was ok one day out, then the next time I went out a few days later the steering was tough. Between trips I did have the steering wheel off to clean it, and also powerwashed the OD to get some built up gunk off of it, but did not hit anything important.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Steering issue - merc 3.0lx/alpha one

Have you checked the Power steering Belt / fluid ?

 

[Brando86]

Re: Steering issue - merc 3.0lx/alpha one

Belt is tight, fluid is full and looks good. The only abnormal sound is the power steering cylinder behind the engine where the power steering lines run into, and it sounds as if it is sticky and needs greased, which I have not had time to do yet.

 

[Brando86]

Re: Steering issue - merc 3.0lx/alpha one

Anyone else have any insight while I'm home able to take a look?

 

[Brando86]

Re: Steering issue - merc 3.0lx/alpha one

I unscrewed the cable where it goes into the cylinder near the transom and the steering wheel moved pretty easily. I did not actually disconnect the cable, just loosened the nut and backed the cable off so it had some play. Do I need to actually remove the cable and then check its stiffness? The cylinder it goes into behind the motor is still making a "creaking" noise as if it is dry, and I have not found a zerk on it yet.

 

[Brando86]

Re: Steering issue - merc 3.0lx/alpha one

Here is another observation. If the outdrive is all the way to the right looking at it from the back of the boat, I can push it to the left about half way with ease, and the steering wheel also moves when I do that. Once I hit the half way mark, it gets tight and stops. At that point I have to back it off towards the right about 2 inches, then I can continue to push to the left. This is also the same going from left the right. Does that sound like the steering cable is giving me problems?

 

[iop]

Re: Steering issue - merc 3.0lx/alpha one

Hey Brando...

http://www.mercurymarine.com/_media...erndrive-models/Non-EC/90-899883179-Maint.pdf

Go to page 58... steering lube.
It MIGHT be... u need to hit it with 101 stuff. if yours does not have the zerk then u apply directly to sleeve..
Cant hurt.