Hydraulic Steering Small Amount Of Slack

[SteuryLover]

I just installed a used hydraulic steering system in my boat. It is an older Morse branded system, 4 turns lock to lock and no oil leaks. It came off a race ready river boat that saw very little use. I installed the system and got all the air out. It turns very easy, no lumpyness and not notchy. It works great underway. The only issue is there seems to be a very small amount of slack from port to starboard. The wheel will turn about 1" or so before the motor moves. There is no pressure at all for the 1" of travel, just feels like an open void. The oil is fresh Teleflex oil and all bolts are tight. Any suggestions would be great, thanks for the help.

 

[mciaio]

Re: Hydraulic Steering Small Amount Of Slack

Sounds like you may have a little air in the system yet. If it is real easy going and you get no response, could be air. Air compresses and things don't move.

 

[SteuryLover]

Re: Hydraulic Steering Small Amount Of Slack

You said before the motor moves, is this an outboard?

Yes it is an outboard, it is a 1999 Mercury 150 2 stroke.

 

[SteuryLover]

Re: Hydraulic Steering Small Amount Of Slack

Sounds like you may have a little air in the system yet. If it is real easy going and you get no response, could be air. Air compresses and things don't move.

When I grab the motor and try to move it it will not budge. I was told to try that first, if there is air it would move I am told. Does hydraulic steering ever have slack like this if it is bled correctly? Would a worn part in the helm cause slack? Maybe I should try bleeding from the cylinder again.

 

[mciaio]

Re: Hydraulic Steering Small Amount Of Slack

I'm guessing here because I have never worked with that system, but maybe air up in the steering valve itself? Sounds like the cylinder has no air.

 

[SteuryLover]

Re: Hydraulic Steering Small Amount Of Slack

I'm guessing here because I have never worked with that system, but maybe air up in the steering valve itself? Sounds like the cylinder has no air.

I agree, it feels like the cylinder is air free. I actually took off the helm and shook it to remove all the air. Its hard for me to believe there is air based on how smooth it feels and that fact that it is an even 4 turns lock 2 lock. I will go for another air removal session tomorrow and go from there. Any other opinions or experiences are appreciated.

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Hydraulic Steering Small Amount Of Slack

Normal condition.

 

[SteuryLover]

Re: Hydraulic Steering Small Amount Of Slack

Normal condition.

I can totally deal with it if it is normal, just want to be sure it is. This is my first hydraulic steering setup. Thanks for the vote of confidence.