bobyouruncle1
Recruit
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2024
- Messages
- 4
I bought an older boat, 1994 Searay express cruiser 250, 5.7 liter with Bravo 2 leg.
The age isn't really an issue as the boat had only 525 hours on it and was garage kept and serviced every months. I got it at an estate sale.
The old guy that owned it used it as his man cave or unending last prize I guess.
This was like brand new. Many of the hours were from him running it after changing oil and such over the last 26 years, that is how long it was in his garage. But I do need new decals.
Anyway after using it for 70 hours or so the steering got immensely hard quite suddenly. If I move the wheel very slowly it isn't as hard, but any faster and it hardens right up. Engine speed makes no difference. Hours are now at 596.
Things I have checked;
The leg moves freely and easily if the clevis pin is disconnected from the actuator
The steering wheel moves with hardly any pressure when the cable is disconnected but still going through the tube.
Both pins removed and the steering wheel and drive both move without effort.
The power steering fluid is full and not leaked any at all, no leaks on any lines. Hoses are all straight, no kinks.
No obvious noises coming from the power steering pump but I will check that again.
I figure it is the actuator or power steering pump BUT I just not totally sure.
I have narrowed it down to the pump, which I inclined to believe it or the actuator.
A Sheila with me one trip said she thought she heard a noise, she thought it was my alternator but it isn't hot.
Once it goes hard it stays hard until I back off then it is a little easier again if I move it very slowly, sometimes it just stays hard. It doesn't matter which way I turn it either.
So I am going to change the pump first, it's the easiest and there are lots around.
Here is a question, will the pump pressure make a difference? Can I use a higher pressure pump? I understand it will only produce what pressure is needed up to a maximum.
The next might be the pressure hoses if they are deteriorating inside and acting as a reed valve.
After those then maybe the actuator but they are harder to find the exact same type, would a Volvo type fit? This is the older type on the boat now.
Did I miss some really easy thing?
The age isn't really an issue as the boat had only 525 hours on it and was garage kept and serviced every months. I got it at an estate sale.
The old guy that owned it used it as his man cave or unending last prize I guess.
This was like brand new. Many of the hours were from him running it after changing oil and such over the last 26 years, that is how long it was in his garage. But I do need new decals.
Anyway after using it for 70 hours or so the steering got immensely hard quite suddenly. If I move the wheel very slowly it isn't as hard, but any faster and it hardens right up. Engine speed makes no difference. Hours are now at 596.
Things I have checked;
The leg moves freely and easily if the clevis pin is disconnected from the actuator
The steering wheel moves with hardly any pressure when the cable is disconnected but still going through the tube.
Both pins removed and the steering wheel and drive both move without effort.
The power steering fluid is full and not leaked any at all, no leaks on any lines. Hoses are all straight, no kinks.
No obvious noises coming from the power steering pump but I will check that again.
I figure it is the actuator or power steering pump BUT I just not totally sure.
I have narrowed it down to the pump, which I inclined to believe it or the actuator.
A Sheila with me one trip said she thought she heard a noise, she thought it was my alternator but it isn't hot.
Once it goes hard it stays hard until I back off then it is a little easier again if I move it very slowly, sometimes it just stays hard. It doesn't matter which way I turn it either.
So I am going to change the pump first, it's the easiest and there are lots around.
Here is a question, will the pump pressure make a difference? Can I use a higher pressure pump? I understand it will only produce what pressure is needed up to a maximum.
The next might be the pressure hoses if they are deteriorating inside and acting as a reed valve.
After those then maybe the actuator but they are harder to find the exact same type, would a Volvo type fit? This is the older type on the boat now.
Did I miss some really easy thing?
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