Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

[keeleyson]

My first post...would greatly appreciate any input.
Just got boat, (Wellcraft 243) out of winter storage. No problems first two hours. Then, put in reverse to clear weeds...forward...then a "clunk". As I gain speed, boat tends to heel hard over to starboard as though trim tab (Bennett) on that side is down. Also...very hard steering ...but not all the time. Can level boat with tabs but runs level only with hard "bow down" attitude. When sitting still, steering is easy as before. Steering arms move freely side to side. Boat is not handling as it has in past. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Don S]

Re: Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

Not sure why you made this a poll, the problem isn't going to be decided by which gets the most votes.

Did you look over the stern at the trim tabs? Did you try to raise them up? Does the pump run? One may have broke when you backed up, and if it was dragging in the water, it would cause your problem. The drive is not going to make the boat lean over. The trim tab on the sterndrive may be twisted, but that would only make the steering pull to one side or the other.

 

[keeleyson]

Re: Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

Thanks for your reply, Don...not sure why I made it a poll either...darn thing just appeared and I didn't quite know what to do with it. :redface: I can't see the trim tabs because of the swim platform but the motor does run when I press the up/down switch. Sounds like I have to pull it out of the water, huh?

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

Do you have "Trim" on the drive or "Tilt"?
You said it "clunked" after shifting from reverse to forward. I bet it has something to do with the reverse lock on the drive.

 

[Don S]

Re: Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

Pull it out of the water and see what the problem is. Something happened, and to keep going like that could be dangerous, or costly....... or both.

 

[keeleyson]

Re: Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

I have trim...(the button on the drive lever)...I do not have tilt (button on the dash)...I'm going to pull it tomorrow. Are these things I can fix myself? I'm a darn good car mechanic...don't know a whole lot about boats though..

Thanks again fellas for your input...it's greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

Are these things I can fix myself?

If you don't know what's wrong, how can we say if you can fix it or not.

I'm a darn good car mechanic...

Probably won't help much with your problem, cars don't have outdrives or trim tabs.


What year, and model engine and outdrive do you have?

 

[keeleyson]

Re: Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

:redface: The engine is a Volvo Penta 5.7GL with duo prop. I don't know the outdrive manufacturer...I just assumed it was Volvo since it's the only manual I have. It's a 1994.

 

[Don S]

Re: Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

I don't know the outdrive manufacturer...I just assumed it was Volvo since it's the only manual I have.

I was assuming it was also a Volvo drive, but what type drive. In 94 Volvo used only the DP-D1 Duo prop drive. Your clunk may have come from a stick getting between the 2 props.

I would still guess you have a broken trim tab, but once you get it out of the water you will know for sure.

 

[keeleyson]

Re: Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

thanks, Don, for your help. I'll post a follow-up when I get it out.

 

[keeleyson]

Re: Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

:redface:well...here's the latest...checked boat this morning...trim tabs are fine...trim/tilt is fine after resetting the breaker...however...engine compartment floor full of power steering fluid...reservoir was empty...thoughts?

 

[Don S]

Re: Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

engine compartment floor full of power steering fluid...reservoir was empty...thoughts?

Something is leaking.

Fill it back up, start it up and watch it and see what's leaking.

 

[keeleyson]

Re: Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

hmmm...well...bending this 65 year old body around that engine compartment isn't going to be easy...but I'll give it a try...

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

hmmm...well...bending this 65 year old body around that engine compartment isn't going to be easy...but I'll give it a try...

Any neighbor kids want to make 5 bucks?

 

[Don S]

Re: Wellcraft/Volvo Penta steering problem

Ya diggin up old bones to post to? Somehow I would expect he has this either fixed or sold the boat after a year of not posting.