Steering Problems

[bnc95]

Hi everyone, I was new to the group with my last post and have now just finished purchasing my 1987 Aquasport 222 express fisherman. The motor is a 1993 Mercury 200 hp saltwater series with a hydraulic steering system. I bought the boat knowing it would have some steering issues so I first thought I could bleed out the hoses and take out the air and it would work but its still giving me problems. The previous owner said he put in new steering hoses recently that were thicker than the factory ones (could that be an issue since it might not give the right amount of pressure?), I also noticed that when I turn the steering port the hydraulic system and wheel moves smoothly but when I turn it starboard it makes a clicking noise with some resistance and I dont know if that is normal or not? The RAM piston or cylinder even gets jammed sometimes when it reaches its max to the right or starboard. Im thinking it could be hose, helm or maybe even the RAM cylinder but I was hoping maybe some insight from everyone so I dont go changing everything or the cylinder for that matter when it could be a steering problem. If anyone can give me some help it would be greatly appreciated so I can get my new girl out on the water.

Thanks,
Chris

[fitz73222]

Hi Chris,
Walk us through how you are bleeding the system. Are you doing it exactly  how Seastar says to do it? Which helm system and ram system do you have? Give me part numbers. They should be on both of them.

[bnc95]

Hi Fitz,

Im taking out the port side hose and turning the wheel port side til i see consistency in the oil and no air bubbles, then doing the same to the starboard side. What is the seastar way of bleeding the lines? Never heard of it. The RAM part no is hydraulic steering Part No. HC5342 and the helm is Morse Controls Part No. D303600-B Japan. Just want to be certain what the issue could be before I have to call a mechanic or can order my own parts.

[fitz73222]

A Morse Hydraulic steering Helm? Didn't know there was such a thing... The steering cylinder HC5342 is a Seastar cylinder. We are going to need Seabob or John Jones for some help with this.

[seabob4]

A Morse Hydraulic steering Helm? Didn't know there was such a thing... The steering cylinder HC5342 is a Seastar cylinder. We are going to need Seabob or John Jones for some help with this.

Yes, Morse did make hydraulic systems, so that answers that question.  It's the clicking that tells me it is probably a check valve in the helm pump.  The problem is going to be whether Teleflex, which owns Morse, will still have the valves and seal kits for this helm...I doubt it, but it's worth a try.  Contact my buddy Marc Adams at Teleflex tomorrow, he's a great guy and a straight shooter.  If he can help, he will.  If he can't, he'll tell you why...

madams@teleflex.bc.ca

He's in British Columbia, so after 11 will be good...

[GoneFission]

On some of the Morse and Syten systems there was an intermediate check valve between the helm and the cylinder that is not used for SeaStar systems.  Check your lines and be sure there is nothing between the helm pump and the cylinder.  If you find the valve (it looks like a square black thing), remove it and use a union connector to bridge the two line connections.  

Also, I don't want to sound insulting or anything, but are you sure you have the lines hooked up right?  Some helms have 3 or 4 fittings on the back (supply, return, etc.), and you only use the 2 port and starboard supply for a SeaStar cylinder.  Check the back of the helm pump and see if you are connected to the correct outlets.  The others should be plugged.

[DOCREED]

There should be a bleeding valve on the top of the ram--actually one at either end..  If you disconnect the hose, you will still have air in the system.

I have a used  Hyd Helm pump, if you need one.

[bnc95]

thanks everyone, I made an appointment to take it to the boat center near my house next week. But before I do that Im going to check and make sure the previous owner connected the correct lines at the back of the helm pump to those on the cylinder as well as check for the check valve. Ill post some photos if i get a chance so you all can see more clearer than my explanation. I bled the lines out the way you described by opening up the back of the valve to the seastar cylinder just yesterday we noticed we didnt have to unhook the hoses and tried again this time the engine wont move right at all (if facing from the console to the motor).