Volvo Penta 5.7GS Power Steering Leak

[boatpoet]

I have a 1999 Cruisers with twin Volvo Penta 5.7GS eninges. The starboard engine is leaking power steering fluid and I cannot seem to find out where it is coming from. Last weekend it would leak while running (it was dripping a lot of fluid into the bilge). I turned off the engine, filled the pump and started it up again. A friend turned the wheel and bingo - no more leak. Well I refuse to believe that was all it took.

The fluid was dripping on the starboard side of the engine (the side opposite the power steering pump) and I suspect the cooler or associated plumbing. When I ran my hand over the hoses and the cooler there does not apear to be any fresh fluid.

I can pay the marina boat loads of cash to find it but I hate to do that if all I have to do is replace a $20 hose or add a new clamp.

Any thoughts?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.7GS Power Steering Leak

Howdy,


Power steering leaks are frequently the cooler. It leaks into the raw water side a little at a time so you don't see it. It goes out with the raw water that exits with the exhaust.

Pull your PS cooler and pressure check it.


Cheers,


Rick

 

[boatpoet]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.7GS Power Steering Leak

Thanks for this Rick. One additional question...

Would that make it leak into the bilge as well? I did see oil in the water behind the boat not too long ago just about the time I found the pump empty. Hmmm, maybe they are linked. I just don't understand why it would be dripping into the bilge.

 

[boatpoet]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.7GS Power Steering Leak

Has anyone seen power steering fluid leaking inside the boat? I understand what Rick is saying and believe he is probably right but I dont want to buy a new cooler until I can confirm it.

Thanks to everyone!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Volvo Penta 5.7GS Power Steering Leak

I dont want to buy a new cooler until I can confirm it.

That's why you want to take it off and pressure test it.