Steering problem on my Bayliner

[WildeStarr]

I had my 1989 Bayliner 2556 cierra out today when I heard/felt a snap or bang sound. The boat right away veered to port and the steering became very heavy. This same problem is at both upper and lower helm. I took a quick look in the engine compartment, but I don't even know what I am looking for. I took the boat back to the marina ASAP. Steering was very heavy as well on the way back, and if I let go of the wheel the boat immediately will veer to port. Any ideas? Thanks! Dave

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Steering problem on my Bayliner

start here http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=220416 #1, #2

 

[WildeStarr]

Re: Steering problem on my Bayliner

Thanks guys. I will go back down to the boat tomorrow, get all the necessary info, and report back.

 

[WildeStarr]

Re: Steering problem on my Bayliner

Power Steering Belt?

BINGO!
I opened up the engine compartment this morning, and found the broken (and very worn) power steering belt laying in the bilge. I have to admit that I did not even know the boat had power steering. Picked up a new belt today for $5.00. Gotta love a boat repair when it only involves $5.00.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Steering problem on my Bayliner

BINGO!
I opened up the engine compartment this morning, and found the broken (and very worn) power steering belt laying in the bilge. I have to admit that I did not even know the boat had power steering. Picked up a new belt today for $5.00. Gotta love a boat repair when it only involves $5.00.

Ok,


Now that you know that you need to replace the power steering belt.......you'll need to do other things like checking the engine oil, drive oil, power-steering system oil (maybe you have a leak in the PS system and now the PS pump is trashed, which destroyed the power steering belt in short order......YOur "new" belt might not last long as the system further self-destructs........

Does ANYONE service the engine and drive on any sort of regular basis?

Is it closed cooled?


89 2550 Bayliner..........UM........what engine and drive is it?

 

[WildeStarr]

Re: Steering problem on my Bayliner

Ok,


Now that you know that you need to replace the power steering belt.......you'll need to do other things like checking the engine oil, drive oil, power-steering system oil (maybe you have a leak in the PS system and now the PS pump is trashed, which destroyed the power steering belt in short order......YOur "new" belt might not last long as the system further self-destructs........

Does ANYONE service the engine and drive on any sort of regular basis?

Is it closed cooled?


89 2550 Bayliner..........UM........what engine and drive is it?

engine oil and filter, just had that done last week. Power steering oil, just checked and its OK. New PS belt goes on this week. Not sure about the "drive" oil, or where that is so I can check it.
I can't seem to find any writing or plates anywhere on the motor telling what size or make V8 it is. I think its a chevy cobra (I read somewhere that this boat is a bit under powered) it maxes out at about 20 knots/4000 RPM.
Thanks for all the help.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Steering problem on my Bayliner

(I read somewhere that this boat is a bit under powered) it maxes out at about 20 knots/4000 RPM.

Maybe.....but if it only turns 4000 at full throttle, you have some other problem with it.

If it's an SBC (Small block chev) it IS under powered, but it should still turn the correct maximum RPM.

 

[PBarrett]

Re: Steering problem on my Bayliner

I can't seem to find any writing or plates anywhere on the motor telling what size or make V8 it is. I think its a chevy cobra (I read somewhere that this boat is a bit under powered) it maxes out at about 20 knots/4000 RPM.
Thanks for all the help.

I have a 1991 2556 with the 5.7 Mercruiser. I believe that you have a 5.7 OMC Cobra (IIRC, 1990 was the last year for that engine/drive combination). Same engine as me but different drive. As far as my performance, WOT is 4600 RPM at 30 mph (GPS) and I cruise at 3600 RPM at 19-23 mph, depending on conditions. If all you get is 4000 RPM it sounds like you may be over propped, have a dirty hull, in need of a tune up or the engine may just be tired. The 2556 weighs in at about 6000 lbs, dry and has a 9 1/2' beam, so it is underpowered for the 5.7, but I'm happy with it. If ever there was a boat that could make good use of a 383, the 2556 is it, and when the time comes, that's what will be going in my boat.

PB

 

[dan t.]

Re: Steering problem on my Bayliner

Check the pulleys for rust, a rusty pulley will eat up a belt in no time. The V grove of the pulley must be smooth, if not sand it smooth or it will eat up the new belt.

 

[WildeStarr]

Re: Steering problem on my Bayliner

Maybe.....but if it only turns 4000 at full throttle, you have some other problem with it.

If it's an SBC (Small block chev) it IS under powered, but it should still turn the correct maximum RPM.

Well, the tach hits the read zone at 4000 RPM - 20 + knots (not 100% full throttle). I don't want to push it much harder, being that the boat is 22 years old and I need it to last. It does run really smooth overall.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Steering problem on my Bayliner

Well, the tach hits the read zone at 4000 RPM - 20 + knots (not 100% full throttle). I don't want to push it much harder, being that the boat is 22 years old and I need it to last. It does run really smooth overall.

You probably need to have a look at your OMC Owners Manual. It should indicate what the acceptable WOT throttle range is.....usually 4400-4800, 4200-4800 etc....AND ALL engine manufacturers recommend a prop selection that produces an RPM at the "TOP" of the range for a lightly loaded boat running at the altitude you'll run at most.......

If it will not turn in the recommended range at WOT, I.E it's LOW, you could cause engine damage even running it at lower engine speeds because the engine is "lugging".

Many "things" will result in a boat not running up at the correct speed...... aside from a worn out or mal-tuned engine:

Marine growth on the bottom of the hull, excessive weight (water-logged), boat over loaded, wrong drive ratio, wrong prop pitch, drive "trim" not at the right angle etc.....

You'll have to determine what (if anything) is wrong with your engine/drive.


Regards,


Rick

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Steering problem on my Bayliner

Check the pulleys for rust, a rusty pulley will eat up a belt in no time. The V grove of the pulley must be smooth, if not sand it smooth or it will eat up the new belt.

Amen brother..Sand em and paint em

Might wanta change your other belt while your in there farting around.. Whats another 5 bucks plus will give ya a used spare..

BTW op.. Is that wishometer aka speedometer or GPS? Seems a bit pokey