1985 Johnson 150 stiff steering....

[ltsulli1]

Hi I am a new boat owner and took my bout out for the first time this year and noticed the steering is extremly stiff. I got to looking at it and it seems to me it is hydrolic steering, there are two 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch hoses under the steering collum that lead to the side of the motor. I just dont know where to begin, not sure if there is a place to put this fluid or what kind of fluid do i need to get? is there a pump on the motor that might not be working? I just need a place to start. thanks for your help hopping this is an inexpensive fix!!! thanks

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1985 Johnson 150 stiff steering....

First you need to determine if it is the steering system that is stiff or the engine. Disconnect the steering link arm at the back and rotate the engine by hand. If the engine moves freely, then it is the steering system that is the problem. The system you describe could be either hydraulic or a dual cable system. A hydraulic system will have a piston in front of the engine with two small hoses plumbed in to it. If the engine and boat are of the same vintage, it is unlikely that it is hydraulic-but is rather the conventional cable system. It is not unusual for cables to stick in their casings with age, requiring replacment.

 

[ltsulli1]

Re: 1985 Johnson 150 stiff steering....

First you need to determine if it is the steering system that is stiff or the engine. Disconnect the steering link arm at the back and rotate the engine by hand. If the engine moves freely, then it is the steering system that is the problem. The system you describe could be either hydraulic or a dual cable system. A hydraulic system will have a piston in front of the engine with two small hoses plumbed in to it. If the engine and boat are of the same vintage, it is unlikely that it is hydraulic-but is rather the conventional cable system. It is not unusual for cables to stick in their casings with age, requiring replacment.

ok now that you describe it i belive it is hydrolic. is there a pump on this unit or not. is it possible it is just low on fluid and needs more? how do i check the fluid level and where do i put the fluid at?

 

[justinhill13]

Re: 1985 Johnson 150 stiff steering....

I have a 87' Ranger with a 150 Johnson on the back of it and im having the same problems. I took it to a local boat shop near my house, the man there said if it is the cables that have gotten stiff due to old age, they are around $80-$100 per cable. So now i know im about to drop a good three or four hundred to get it replaced with labor and materials!

 

[MAW31]

Re: 1985 Johnson 150 stiff steering....

...you still need to disconnect the motor from the hydraulic steering to see if its the motor itself that is creating the turning resistance or your steering hydraulics.

 

[mikesea]

Re: 1985 Johnson 150 stiff steering....

as said,you need disconnect the steering system from the engine to determine if the steering arm assy.in the motor is stiff,OR if the hydraulic assy.in the steering system is to blame.There are no pumps on the engine .Yu will need to determine what kind of steering system you have,The older hydraulic systems have a alum cannister that needs to be filled with fluid AND compressed air,the newer hydraulic systems will have a fill on the helm under the steering wheel,

 

[jonesg]

Re: 1985 Johnson 150 stiff steering....

I have a 87' Ranger with a 150 Johnson on the back of it and im having the same problems. I took it to a local boat shop near my house, the man there said if it is the cables that have gotten stiff due to old age, they are around $80-$100 per cable. So now i know im about to drop a good three or four hundred to get it replaced with labor and materials!

DIY.