Hydraulic steering that just keeps turning...

[skipjack27]

My recently purchased sterndrive 27' launch has hydraulic steering. The flybridge helm is fine, but the wheelhouse helm continues to easily turn after reaching either port or starboard extreme. i.e., unlike the upper helm, the lower helm can just be rotated endlessly after it should have come up against the port or starboard lock. This is obviously very annoying in using the lower helm in tricky docking situations because it is very difficult to know where the rudder is positioned in relation to the helm. Note that this doesn't affect the steering (at least, it hasn't yet): it just affects the helmsman's knowledge of the steering position - which is pretty darned critical in many situations.

I have determined that it is not a helm shaft problem (e.g., worn Woodruff key) - the helm turns the shaft without problem. It appears to be a problem with the hydraulic pump driven by the helm.

Anyone have any ideas on what might be the problem?

Thanks

Jeff

 

[Ned L]

Re: Hydraulic steering that just keeps turning...

I would certainly encourage you to keep checking for a solution, but I'll say I read your post & thought it seemed to bring back some memories from YEARS ago for some dual station hydraulic steering set ups I remember. So I guess I'm saying this might be 'normal', though I agree quite frustrating if is it 'normal'.

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: Hydraulic steering that just keeps turning...

Sounds like a worn out helm pump, you could rebuild it but from the stories I have heard you may as well replace it due to internal corrosion etc.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hydraulic steering that just keeps turning...

could also be low on fluid, have you tried to fill and bleed the system, has to be done in both directions.