Logo
FULL SITE MENU

2000 4.3 alpha 1. Power steering oil question.

M

moondrifter

Regular Contributor
I have lost about 6 oz. of power steering oil in 2-3 months. Checked the bilge, found no oil. Any ideas as to where it's going? Is there any past issues with this type problem. Thanks Moondrifter.
 
Ayuh,... It's quite possible the P/S Cooler wasn't winterized, froze, 'n split, internally,....

In which case, yer pumpin' the oil, Over-board with the motor's exhaust water,...
 
bondo said:
Ayuh,... It's quite possible the P/S Cooler wasn't winterized, froze, 'n split, internally,....

In which case, yer pumpin' the oil, Over-board with the motor's exhaust water,...
Click to expand...

That is understandable. Can this be from old age? I do the winterizing the same way since it was new. The boat is stored in a place that never freezes. But it is what it is. What are the P/S coolers going for these days? Thanks.
 
They are located in a tight place. Trace the hoses from each end of the cooler and disconnect them both (not at the cooler end). Plug one end and stick a compressed air nozzle in the other hose end while listening to the disconnected raw water hose that runs from the cooler to the thermostat. If you hear hissing inside the water hose it's leaking.
 
Today I found the power steering cooler. There was oil on the outside, under the cooler. No water leaks, just oil. Wipe it clean and took the boat out. Checked the same place after shut down and it was wet with oil. The power steering pump was a little low. It seems to me, if it is leaking internally, the oil would not be on the outside without water. I plan to check all fittings and see if any are loose, if not pressure test the cooler. Any thoughts?? Moondrifter
 
It was like you said about a loose clamp. Never could understand the use of those tiny hose clamps. I added another clamp and it's fine. Thank You for the help.
 
Back
Top