Very Stiff Power Steering-New to boating-HELP !!

[bahamasboy]

After reading many of the steering posts, I'm not sure I've found my problem addressed. At least it's not clear to me yet. Please help!<br /><br />I just purchased a 1982 i/o Sea Ray 197 SXL. It's 20 ft long and has a Mercruiser 260 with from what I can tell is an Alpha I drive.<br /><br />The steering takes two hands at any speed with power steering! The fluid in the p/s pump is clean and rises and falls when turing the wheel with the motor off. The cable doesn't have any sharp turns and appears to be in good condition. I've greased the rods near the control valve and the valve itself along with all pivot points. I've checked under the helm and have a long flat bar (18 inches or so) that is moved by turning the wheel, this is also well lubed. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated to help me loosed this up. After 4 hours on the water yesterday, I'm exausted.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Very Stiff Power Steering-New to boating-HELP !!

I'm not familiar with nautical power steering as it was not an option on my OMC. Do you have an enclosed cable running back to the engine area. (Sounds like you have some form of rack and pinion steering) If so, you might try disconnecting it from wherever it terminates, then try the steering effort. Enclosed cables are known to rust up and lock up. If that is the case, you are bustin' your behind b4 the PS even has a chance to do it's work.

 

[bahamasboy]

Re: Very Stiff Power Steering-New to boating-HELP !!

Boomyal,<br />Thanks for the reply. Tomorrow (weather permiting) is my "disconnect the cable at the stern" day to see if it's a cable problem. The previous owner said that the steering was the one thing he was not happy with on boat. No surprize to me he didn't try to fix it though, he had the boat over a year and never attempted to fix the nav lights (plugged them back in) nor the radio (replaced an inline fuse holder)both work GREAT! I'll update after I check out the cable!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Very Stiff Power Steering-New to boating-HELP !!

Bahamasboy, If it turns out not to be the cable, it is likely to be the SS rod the steering cable connects to, on the sterndrive. If it is just stiff you should be able to loosen it up by using penetrating oil, exercizing the steering and wiping off the dirt. When it moves smooth, lubricate with marine grease or Merc's special lubricant 101.

 

[bahamasboy]

Re: Very Stiff Power Steering-New to boating-HELP !!

Update!<br />I pulled the pin off of the cable at the stern. Wiped the rod (I'm assuming this is the SS rod that Chris was talking about), cleaned it, then greased it. While disconnected the wheel turned a little better but it wasn't pushing fluid around in the control valve. I re connected and started the engine. Steering was a little better but not a lot. I also checked under the helm and everything there seems to be greased pretty well. I couldnt figure out how to disconnect the cable at this end because it was attached to a long metal plate thing that the steering column and gears go into. I'm going to take it out on Wed and see if after a little more drive time, it loosens up a bit more. <br /><br />Chris, how do I disconnect the cable from the SS rod? I've taken the nut off where the cable meets the lube tube?? (A plastic threaded tube) Is it as simple as pulling the cable out at that point, or does the whole rod with the cotter pin come back through this unit?<br /><br />Thanks again for the help! Also, if you know anything about trim indicator senders please see my other post.

 

[bahamasboy]

Re: Very Stiff Power Steering-New to boating-HELP !!

Update #2<br />After more research, I've determined that I do, infact have a rack and pinion system before it gets to the power steering unit. Here's my new dilema...<br /><br />After removing the cotter pin, I can't get the end of the steering cable (the rod part) back through the threaded tube. I can't even get the cable to budge where it seats into the threaded tube. Is there a trick to freeing it up? My guess is that IF I can get it free, then I can pull the cable and replace it. As far as the helm end, will I have to replace the whole rack system, or will I be able to disconnect just the cable at this end? Thanks again guys for any help and advice.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Very Stiff Power Steering-New to boating-HELP !!

BB - The cable will detach from the rack at the steering wheel end (two jam nuts??). On the motor end, the SS steering rod is part of the cable. If my memory serves me, the steering tube at the motor is attached to the outdrive with some kind of swivel joint. I disconnected this joint which allowed me to pull the steering rod and tube partially out of the engine compartment, and made it convenient to heat with a propane torch. The tube came off the steering rod after I heated it, and I was able to clean both, and reassemble. Good luck

 

[bahamasboy]

Re: Very Stiff Power Steering-New to boating-HELP !!

Chris, and others who are reading this for help<br /><br />I bought liquid wrench. Sprayed it on the steering tube, waited about 3 minutes, sprayed more then 3 more minutes one light whack with a hammer and the cable was free from the stern. I will add to make sure that all zip ties have been cut off. (Live and learn...duhhh). Also, the type of rack that I had wouldnd allow the cable to be removed at the helm. <br /><br />I purchased a Teleflex Rack system. Had a new helm, rack and cable. Installation was a BREEZE!! The most difficult part was removing the old, stiff cable. <br /><br />As suspected, my whole problem was the old cable. Now, with the motor off I can turn the wheel one handed pretty easily. With the motor running (with ear muffs of course) my steering is a ONE FINGER OPERATION!! The kit cost 159.99, but the wear and tear on my arms, as well as the security of being able to steer the boat is WELL WORTH IT.<br /><br />*Note...The guy at the boat shop said if you have to heat the tube to release the steering cable, use a heat gun. The tube is made of thin metal and can warp, stretch, or melt with a torch.<br /><br />Thanks again guys, I really appreciate your help and the knowledge of those using this site.<br /><br />Happy Boating.....I know I will be!!<br /><br />Bahamasboy