Merc manual statement on lube

[JoeCoppola]

Chevy V8 350 260 merc stern drive 1981 (MC 260 I drive) Eng # 5654536

Merc Manual Section 1-6 Lubricating power steering system says that if you grease fitting WITHOUT being fully RETRACTED may cause hydraulic lock. I had no trouble with stiffness until after I lubed and I DID NOT have fully retracted (likely was at midpoint).

What would symptoms of "hydraulic lock" be??
Stuck? or Stiff?
Would it work out on own or what would have to be done to relieve it ???

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc manual statement on lube

What would symptoms of "hydraulic lock" be??
Stuck? or Stiff?

Possibly stuck, depending on how hard you pumped it.
might try disconnecting the nut that holds the cable on and seeing if it allows some excess grease to escape. Never really tried doing it wrong to see what happened.

 

[JoeCoppola]

Re: Merc manual statement on lube

Thank you for both responses. Mine is stiff, and occasionally for brief time loosens up then stiffens again. It seems to be stiffer going left turn even more than right? Would that make sense if too much grease and/or hydraulic lock? I will do as you suggested and see if helps. Thanks again.