I suppose this is a general question and not exactly engine specific, but since I have a Merc, I'll post it here...
I've noticed over the past few seasons the 90-degree hydraulic fittings at my power-steering assist (bolted to transom plate) is getting rusty. Has anyone ever had these rust through?
I've scraped and cleaned them a bit to see if they are anywhere near-failure, but they seem OK. I'm just doing routine maintenance and was wondering if I should be more concerned and replace them at this point? All the hoses on mine are OEM. Never replaced. 2001 Bayliner Capri 215LX, 5.0.
I've always coated them with Merc's protective clear-spray, but they still rusted.
Aside from the God-awful mess they'd make if one broke - There's the possibility of control-loss, and of course - Fire.
I've broken a power-steering hose on my truck before and although it takes 5-arms, your brother-in-law and his goat to steer, you can still do it!
I have no idea how a boat like mine would steer without power-assist. I wouldn't think it would be that difficult. I'd be more worried about starting a fire if the oil blasted all over.
I used to install engines in these types of boats and I've always been surprised they even use power-assist in the smaller classes. They really don't need it (IMO).
I've installed both powered and non-powered rack steering in everything from a 16-ft runabout to a dual-engine, dual-steering flybridge fishing vessels. Both turn well, although I have to admit the power-assist is FAST!
Anyhow... Just curious if anyone has had one of these hoses break due to rust. I'm also wondering if I could get the hoses with stainless-steel fittings?
It's curious why those aren't standard issue on any boat. Especially with it being a primary control system. I'd happily pay extra for a good-quality S/S fitting. Buy once - buy for life.
And apologies if I've asked these questions already. I'm going back through my posts. I generally only log in a few times per year. This forum is the BEST and I'm glad to see it's still going strong! Thanks everyone!
H.
I've noticed over the past few seasons the 90-degree hydraulic fittings at my power-steering assist (bolted to transom plate) is getting rusty. Has anyone ever had these rust through?
I've scraped and cleaned them a bit to see if they are anywhere near-failure, but they seem OK. I'm just doing routine maintenance and was wondering if I should be more concerned and replace them at this point? All the hoses on mine are OEM. Never replaced. 2001 Bayliner Capri 215LX, 5.0.
I've always coated them with Merc's protective clear-spray, but they still rusted.
Aside from the God-awful mess they'd make if one broke - There's the possibility of control-loss, and of course - Fire.
I've broken a power-steering hose on my truck before and although it takes 5-arms, your brother-in-law and his goat to steer, you can still do it!
I have no idea how a boat like mine would steer without power-assist. I wouldn't think it would be that difficult. I'd be more worried about starting a fire if the oil blasted all over.
I used to install engines in these types of boats and I've always been surprised they even use power-assist in the smaller classes. They really don't need it (IMO).
I've installed both powered and non-powered rack steering in everything from a 16-ft runabout to a dual-engine, dual-steering flybridge fishing vessels. Both turn well, although I have to admit the power-assist is FAST!
Anyhow... Just curious if anyone has had one of these hoses break due to rust. I'm also wondering if I could get the hoses with stainless-steel fittings?
It's curious why those aren't standard issue on any boat. Especially with it being a primary control system. I'd happily pay extra for a good-quality S/S fitting. Buy once - buy for life.
And apologies if I've asked these questions already. I'm going back through my posts. I generally only log in a few times per year. This forum is the BEST and I'm glad to see it's still going strong! Thanks everyone!
H.
