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Author Topic: Hydraulic Steering  (Read 1151 times)

September 11, 2007, 03:47:00 PM
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ralpht44

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Hydraulic Steering
« on: September 11, 2007, 03:47:00 PM »
I have a Morse hydraulic steering set up on my 222 Sandpiper. I noticed the steering getting tight and a few drips of fluid under the tube. I have never had hydraulic steering as I just bought the boat at the beginning of the year. Where do I check to top off/fill the fluid. I assume the hose coming in to the tube may need tighterning as that is where it is dripping a very small amount. My main worry is the steering tightening up. Thoughts?

September 11, 2007, 04:10:09 PM
Reply #1

GoneFission

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Hydraulics
« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2007, 04:10:09 PM »
Try to isolate exactly where it is leaking.  

It could just be the fitting; you can tighten it a bit (don't overdo it!) tight is tight; too tight is broken!   :cry:

If a Teleflex-Morse cylinder is leaking from the end, the seals need replacing or maybe the whole cylinder.  There are some companies that can rebuild the cylinder, or you can try to pick one up on eBay for less $$$.   :wink:

Hope this helps; see ya on the water!
Cap'n John
1980 22-2 CCP
Mercury 200 Optimax 
ASPA0345M80I
"Gone Fission"
ClassicAquasport Member #209


September 11, 2007, 04:13:18 PM
Reply #2

GoneFission

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Hydraulic Steering Troubleshooting
« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2007, 04:13:18 PM »
Here's some info from Boating and Fishing Inc.
6240 105th Terrace North Pinellas Park, FL 33782
Telephone: 727-546-7257 Fax: 727-768-0099
E-mail: http://www.boaterscatalolg.com
http://www.fishing-catalog.com

Steps to troubleshoot hydraulic steering problems:  

If your steering is harder than you think it should be.
Remember that unless you have a power-assist steering pump that is attached to the engine (like your car), you do not have power steering, simply hydraulic steering. Hydraulic steering generally makes turning the steering wheel much easier than manual steering, but it is almost never ‘one finger’ steering. Most vessels under 35 feet in length will not have power-assist.  If you just purchased this vessel, try to ascertain from the previous owner whether the steering was always hard or if this is a new problem.

If you have owned this vessel since it was new and the steering has gotten
harder over time, go through the following steps:
1. Make certain that there are no kinks in the hoses of your steering system
2. Make sure you have a full reservoir of fluid.
3. Remove the bolt(s) that attach the steering cylinder to your engine,
outdrive, or rudder and attempt to turn your engine, outdrive, or rudder by hand. If it moves freely, turn the steering wheel and see if it is still hard to turn.
4. If the wheel turns very easily at this point and your engine, outdrive, or
rudder also turns very easily, Lube all the fittings on the engine, outdrive,
or rudder as preventative maintenance and re-attach the cylinder.
5. If the wheel is still hard to turn, even with no forward or reverse motion of the vessel and the engine out of gear, call us at 800-745-0765

If you turn the wheel and the engine, outdrive, or rudder turns slowly,
only partway, or only in one direction: probably your cylinder needs to be
service and re-sealed. Call us at 800-745-0765.

If your steering is slow or ‘mushy’: You probably have air in the system.
Consult your owner’s manual for bleed instructions.

You have a leak around the helm shaft behind the steering wheel: Your
helm needs to be serviced and re-sealed. STOP! This is not a do-it-yourself job! Unless you are experienced at hydraulic repairs and specifically familiar with the inner workings of your brand of helm, we do not recommend that you attempt repairs in the field. Call us at 800-745-0765. Small leaks won’t prevent your system from operating as long as you keep the reservoir topped up with fluid, but you should not operate this way any longer than necessary to get back to port.

Bumpy helm operation, or if the wheel feels like it is jumping as you turn
it: This can indicate air in the system. Try bleeding the system first. If this
does not change it, there is probably trash in one of the check valves in the helm. This is not a do-it-yourself job. Call 800-745-0765

If your boat drifts off course even though you are not changing the
steering wheel or rudder angle: You may have a check valve in the helm
that needs servicing or the cylinder needs servicing or both.

If you have a three line system with a separate reservoir and the
pressure drops regularly:
1. Check for leaks throughout the system. Be sure to carefully check for
indications of oil around the cylinder and the back and top of the helm
as well as around the reservoir. Check every area of the vessel where
the hydraulic hoses run, particularly where they go through bulkheads
or around corners.
2. If there are no visible leaks, mix a teaspoon of dish soap in a gallon of
water and pump up your system to 30 pounds. Put some of the soapy
water on the top of the reservoir, around the gauge, fill cap, and pump
on the top of the reservoir and watch for bubbles. If bubbles are seen
around any of the fittings, thoroughly clean the top of the unit, then
after drying it , remove the part that has the leak around it. You might
try carefully wrapping the threads with Teflon tape and screwing it back
in or call us for a replacement part or reservoir as needed.
Cap'n John
1980 22-2 CCP
Mercury 200 Optimax 
ASPA0345M80I
"Gone Fission"
ClassicAquasport Member #209


September 11, 2007, 06:06:45 PM
Reply #3

ralpht44

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« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2007, 06:06:45 PM »
Great stuff gonefission! It was alittle loose at the fittings last time I was at the boat and I tightened a bit so hopefully that should take care of that. Anyone know where the reservoir is for fluid?

September 11, 2007, 06:22:44 PM
Reply #4

John Jones

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« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2007, 06:22:44 PM »
The helm unit IS the reservoir unless you have a 3 line unit.  Look at the back side of the helm unit.  If there are only two hoses, that is the reservoir.  The fill plug is on the top of the exposed part of the helm.  If there are three lines, two go to the motor, third will go to the reservoir.  This also applies to dual stations like mine.  The higher station is the reservoir.
Politics have no relation to morals.
Niccolo Machiavelli

September 11, 2007, 06:46:06 PM
Reply #5

JimCt

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« Reply #5 on: September 11, 2007, 06:46:06 PM »
GF, Good diagnostic info.!
Should go into the Resources section.  Lot of guys with those systems.
JimCT
------
\'74 22-2 inboard
HIN:ASPL0953M74J
Chrysler 318
------
\'74 Marshall 22

September 11, 2007, 07:52:42 PM
Reply #6

ralpht44

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« Reply #6 on: September 11, 2007, 07:52:42 PM »
Very valuable information. JJ, I do recall seeing what loked to be the fill on top of the helm but didn't put two and two together. Also, didn't want to play with something I wasn't familiar with until I did some investigating. I agree, this should go in the resource forum. Very much appreciate all the information guys!

 

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