hydraulic steering leak

[aqua719]

I have a 1986 200 osprey w/evinrude 200, that I have had for about 6 months.  I love the boat and have found alot of useful info here. the problem is the seals are blown on the hydraulic steering arm mounted on the transom.  got a quote for $125 for the seal kit plus an hour of labor. good deal?  and should the lines and pump on the steering column also be cheked and or replaced? I think everything is original. Thanks!

[RickK]

You can do it yourself - very easy.  Buy the kit and you'll need the wrench too. The seals come with instructions on how to bleed them - just did mine on my 230.

[InfinityApe]

Aqua719,

Did you ever end up fixing that yourself or did you have someone fix it for you? I have a 1988 20' Osprey /w 200 V6 2 stroke Merc. I am having the same problem, I believe. The steering is not very tight. When I turn the wheel, it barely moves the motor so I have to make 2-3 full rotations before I get the angle I want the boat to turn.

I can see / hear fluid leaking out the hydraulic arm that turns the engine left/right. Was hoping someone could help with this or give me some input on how to replace it.

Thanks,

Ape

[seabob4]

Ape,
I have seen the kit (both ends plus the spanner wrench) for around $95.  The swap is easy, you just have to take the "horns" off each end to allow the old end caps to come off and the news ones to go on.

[billsaquasport]

I have done the seal repair as well. Being cheap I made my own spanner wrench to remove end caps from actuator removed all the orings and seals. (cant remember is there were any lip seals or just orings) took them down to Florida seal and oring told them them media being sealed (basically automatic trans fluid) they sized the orings for me and I was off and running for less than 5 dollars worth of the rubber parts. Worked perfect while I owned it and Im sure it is still leak free today.
Otherwise I was just at TA Manoney's and saw they had the oring kit for about 50 bucks and 120 bucks for the kit with the wrench. I wish I could remember I think the spanner wrench off of my 4 inch grinder fit the caps. I will check when I get home. Very simple system but of course very important!!!!!!!! so take you time and inspect the rod, busingings and cylinder. If there are any scores or marks consider a new unit or having them machined and chromed.

This could be a beer drinkers dream or nightmare!!!!!!!

[fitz73222]

Hi Aqua19
Before you spend money on the seal kits; make sure you determine the root cause of the seal failure if possible. look for burrs or nicks on the steering piston that runs through the seals. If that as issues; no seal kit will fix it and you will have to replace the steering piston. A very tiny nick will trash the new seals.

Fitz

[Circle Hooked]

Can someone post a pic of this spanner wrench thanks.

[Capt. Bob]

[Circle Hooked]

Thank you Capt Bob.

[Circle Hooked]

You can do it yourself - very easy.  Buy the kit and you'll need the wrench too. The seals come with instructions on how to bleed them - just did mine on my 230.

Rick where did you get your seal kit, thanks.

[RickK]

I ordered them at Sarabay Marine - at least I think I did. I ordered so many things for the 230 it's a blur....

[seabob4]

I ordered them at Sarabay Marine - at least I think I did. I ordered so many things for the 230 it's a blur....

Rick,
Isn't Sarabay the one by Whitfield and 41?

[RickK]

Yup, next to the old Holiday Inn - which is some sort of bankrupt club or something now.

[Circle Hooked]

Thanks Rick.

[seabob4]

Yup, next to the old Holiday Inn - which is some sort of bankrupt club or something now.

WOW....that Holiday Inn had been there, like, FOREVER!  Even knew someone who had a livaboard Carver in the marina there...

That kinda sucks... :cry: