Sloppy Steering in volvo 280

[oasisinvader]

OK, I have read some of the posts, but, am still a little confused. I have an 89 Invader 265, with a VP/Chev. v-8, and VP 280 Outdrive. At a low idle it will wander all over the place. It has a power steering pump on the motor. And a teleflex cable steering to the hydraulic steering "ram". Lot of slop in the steering about 2-3 inches, before it starts moving the ram. My first question is: Would it just be a simple adjustment? I have noticed some threaded arms/rods on the hydraulic ram-my thingy. Are there pictures somewhere that shows me what to check? I can't find any. Are there certain areas to adjust/check? Also, can this be converted to manual steering and get rid of the whole power steering stuff? And lastly, I am running 2 v belts, 1 for power steering, and one for the alternator. Can this motor be converted to a single serpentine belt? Whew, lot of questions there, hope someone can help me. Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Sloppy Steering in volvo 280

At a low idle it will wander all over the place.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... V-hulls tend to do that....

Lot of slop in the steering about 2-3 inches, before it starts moving the ram.

That sounds like it's in the Helm,+ Cable,... Not the P/S...

My first question is: Would it just be a simple adjustment?

Sounds like you need a New Helm,+ Cable,.... No Adjustments reallty...

Also, can this be converted to manual steering and get rid of the whole power steering stuff?

Sure,... But WHY,..?? P/Steering is pretty Handy on a 26' barge in the wind,+ currents...

Can this motor be converted to a single serpentine belt?

Ayuh,... Sure Can,... Shouldn't set you back more than 2 or 3 Thou$and...

 

[Don S]

Re: Sloppy Steering in volvo 280

If you had a steering system with absolutely no slop (BTW, IT ain't gonna happen.) you would still have the bow wandering back and forth. It's what V hull boats do. So you can throw all the money you want to at it, and it will NOT go in a straght line.
If everything in your steering system was brand new and in perfect condition, you will still have slop and think it's too much. These aren't cars and trucks, they are boats don't try to compare the steering as such.

 

[oasisinvader]

Re: Sloppy Steering in volvo 280

Thanks for all the input, I will look into the helm/cable. I have about 3-4" before it starts moving the ram. I know there will be some slop, just don't think it should be that much. I may be wrong. Thanks again though for all the input, and please keep any thoughts or ideas coming. I appreciate hearing from those that know more than me.

 

[ginger1]

Re: Sloppy Steering in volvo 280

I am stumped!! I also have been dealing w/ the sloppy steering problem on my 77 boat w/ Volvo 280 and powered by a Ford 351. In order to deal with the problem I have already replaced the steering helm and cable, the steering yoke on the I/O. My boat wanders @ high speeds, espedcially in a turn. Passengers in the boat are given quite a ride when the boat all of a sudden jerks and takes a different direction. The I/O is somewhat loose even after the above mentioned repairs were done. I have owned another boat w/ an OMC I/O and are not used to the sloppy steering. I feel it is dangerous and am anxious to get to an answer.

 

[concordsteve]

Re: Sloppy Steering in volvo 280

I have the same issue with my 81 concor 305 merc. When I turn the wheel while looking back at the motor the cable moves as soon as I turn the wheel so is there something that can be bad in hydrolics??

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: Sloppy Steering in volvo 280

Thanks for all the input, I will look into the helm/cable. I have about 3-4" before it starts moving the ram. I know there will be some slop, just don't think it should be that much. I may be wrong. Thanks again though for all the input, and please keep any thoughts or ideas coming. I appreciate hearing from those that know more than me.

another option is upgrade your helm to hydraulic. lost motion in a cable helm is completely normal and renewing the existing installion wont fix it.