Steering with out pump

[Vital04]

Hello All,

I have a 1998 volvo penta 5.0 L in a 1998 four winns sundowner 205. I figured out that the power steering is not working because the ram seal needs to be replaced. When the engine is off the steering turns really easy. When I turn the engine on the steering gets really hard naturally based on the issue.
The question is and beware it may be a stupid question.. its only a 20 ft boat can I take the belt off the power steering to disable the power steering from building pressure and would the steering go back to easy as if the boat was off? Also would that damage the engine taking the power steering blet off and power steering pump?

The ramp is a PITA to get to and with the season already well underway (and only really had one nice day this season so far) I am trying to find a work around for now that does not have me pulling the boat.

Thanks for reading !

 

[Chris1956]

Give it a try. On a 20 footer, you should not have too much steering resistance. Adjust the torque tab to help the steering move easier. trim the motor and see how the steering effort changes.

Can't you pull the steering ram and rebuild it with the boat in the water?

My neighbor's 30 footer was unsteerable w/o PS. Your boat s/b much better.

 

[Vital04]

Give it a try. On a 20 footer, you should not have too much steering resistance. Adjust the torque tab to help the steering move easier. trim the motor and see how the steering effort changes.

Can't you pull the steering ram and rebuild it with the boat in the water?

My neighbor's 30 footer was unsteerable w/o PS. Your boat s/b much better.

I might be able to get to it while in the water, its not going to be easy there is not much room at all to get to the back of the engine. Worth a shot though. Underway your able to steer easier then because your at higher speed. When your coming into the slip its hard to make those tight maneuverable turns.