Help me diagnose a power steering issue

LaRea

Huh.  I overlooked this instruction in the install manual:

       IMPORTANT: Cable guide tube flat surfaces must be positioned vertically or
       slight feedback in the steering system could be encountered.

I'll go check it today.  @212rowboat good to hear from you.

@Alswagg With the engine off, it's very difficult to turn.  Speeding up the engine doesn't change how it feels, but I haven't tried it in gear yet.  

aero3113

212rowboat said:

Iirc there is a little flat spot on the ram that needs to be matched up with the top of the ram body.... er... uh... something like that.  If it isn't, you'll get herky jerky steering... I can't recall exactly, but indexing the eyelet to the body makes a big difference, however it's done.  I'm sure it's in a manual somewhere, which is where I recall it from.  I bought a new system last year when the steering cable snapped, and found the one on it was fine- jist wasn't indexed correctly.  

Yes, this is true. The flat needs to be in a certain position.

LaRea

The flat was about 45 degrees off from vertical.  I corrected it, but it didn't seem to make much difference.  Will go back later today and take another look.

Handymans342

Dont they make a rebuild kit?

Grahamu

Mercury doesn't list one, looks like a new actuator from Mercury is around a $1000.00 US and I see only one in stock. I saw a new one listed on Ebay for $388 plus shipping.

Mercury Power Steering Cylinder 8M0063382 806034a1 for sale online | eBay

LaRea

Seems too good to be true.  It claims to be new OEM actuator for US$245, delivered by Friday.  I placed the order, so we'll see.  

Handymans342

A hydraulic shop could fix

GMSLITHO

I know on top of the  steering pin there is a bushing if its twisted or not seated right might be a issue 

I don't know how you would check it though

212rowboat

if the assist for a bravo is the same as for an alpha, and i think it is, i have an extra one still wrapped in bubble wrap i'll part with for a benji and shipping.   

Handymans342

212rowboat said:

if the assist for a bravo is the same as for an alpha, and i think it is, i have an extra one still wrapped in bubble wrap i'll part with for a benji and shipping.   

Too late, he ordered the Chinese model

LaRea

Manufactured in Brazil ... if it shows up at all.  @212rowboat maybe I should buy yours and return this one.  Merc part number is 8M0063382.  I'd much rather keep the money in-family.  

Grahamu

I don't think it goes by drive, the parts lookup is by engine

LaRea

I got that part number at https://www.mercruiserparts.com/ from the engine serial number.  1A030061

Grahamu

Yes it's the right part# it's the latest superceded #

212rowboat

I've no clue what the one I have is... same as was on a 357mag mercruiser built engine.  There ain't much to it. 

aero3113

@LaRea , I’ve noticed a lot of Quicksilver parts are made in Brazil.

LaRea

The new part was a plug-in fit, but it did not fix the problem. I'll try to get underway tomorrow to see if hard use will jog something loose. 

Liberty44140

Sorry to hear that, kind of deflating after buying the part. Will your mechanic give you half an hour to have a look?

Grahamu

When you changed the actuator was the stbd steering arm easy to move?

LaRea

Crap, I forgot to try that.

LaRea

I went for a shakedown cruise yesterday and bounced the boat over a few wakes, but it didn't help.  I guess it could be problem with the stbd transom assembly, although that would not explain the jerky feel to the steering. 

If there was a fluid blockage on the low-pressure side, I'd expect it would pop a hose fitting somewhere.  So maybe there's a blockage in the high-pressure hose from the pump to the actuator.

Grahamu

It's probably time to disconnect the actuator and check the transom assy and at least eliminate it or the power assist.

Grahamu

@LaRea any updates?

LaRea

I got tired of replacing things, so I'm hoping it's an air bubble that will work itself out after I get underway a few times.  My helm seat was at the shop until Friday, but now I can start going out if the wind would calm the heck down.  

YYZRC

@LaRea did you find the issue? My steering feels heavy. 

LaRea

No, it's still basically the same.  I replaced the low-pressure hose (the short hose from the actuator to the steering fluid cooler), but it didn't help.  

Originally, that low-pressure hose had a sharp kink that I thought might be restricting flow.  I rerouted the hose to straighten the kink, but that was dumb.  When you straighten a hose that has been kinked for 14 years, it cracks.  Duh.   

YYZRC

Thanks!  The PS reservoir was empty so I topped it up, but perhaps damage was done to the pump or maybe there's another issue somewhere.  No leak that I can find.