Logo
FULL SITE MENU

Power steering problem diagnosis

C

Cliffs

Member
I have a 1990 Sea Ray 5.7 L with an Alpha One sterndrive. This boat is new to me. I have no history on it. Engine serial number OC759123 and transom serial number OC895445. The power steering reservoir is full. No unusual noises. The problem I have is stiff and choppy steering. It's also hard to keep the boat going straight especially at low speed. Does anybody know which is most likely to be the problem, the helm, the cable, the actuator, the pump or the pivot pin and how to diagnose which it might be? Any suggestions appreciated.
 
turn the wheel and see if the drive starts moving instantly or if there is a lag 1/2 turn before movement,etc
If you have the late style actuator verify the "flats" on the guide tube are in a vertical position.
 
I hate to start throwing parts at it when there are 5 parts to the system. I don't think it's the late style actuator since it's a 1990 and online parts seem to be showing the replacement as old style. If there is a lag what does it tell me?
 
1. Disconnect steering cable from steering arm going to drive. With engine NOT running, turn steering wheel and see if it is smooth and moves freely. If you look closely and remove the correct pin (held in with a cotter pin) this will allow steering cable movement without the power assist. If cable is still stiff, Then replace cable! If not the it may be the power assist. These power assist assemblies very rarely go bad. But if it does turn out to be the power assist, FB market place is full of them and if you want you can upgrade to the newer Gen II design.

2. All mercruiser Alpha drives when going slow "fishtail" and the higher the drive is trimmed up at very slow speeds, the worst it is.
 
Prepare for a shock when you price a new cable. If you can find one. What you probably are going to encounter are either good used or new old stock from 30 years ago.
Low speed wandering is just the way it is for stern drive singles.
 
You will need to know the helm manufacturer...Teleflex, Uflex, etc. Then go online and try to find a parts diagram for it. Once you know the part number for the cable, you go searching for one the same length. It's not going to be easy. I would try calling our host and see if they know.
 
o2batsea said:
You will need to know the helm manufacturer...Teleflex, Uflex, etc. Then go online and try to find a parts diagram for it. Once you know the part number for the cable, you go searching for one the same length. It's not going to be easy. I would try calling our host and see if they know.
Click to expand...
not a big deal, if the cable is in fact hte issue, there should be a part # on it about 3' from the end. that part # will easily convert to a cable from teleflex or other. if no # is found ,the cable needs to be measured. go to teleflex site for instructions or check out this
www.marineengine.com

SeaStar Solutions Catalog

SeaStar Solutions Steering and Controls Catalog
www.marineengine.com www.marineengine.com
 
Back
Top