iboats@schertz.net
Recruit
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2005
- Messages
- 2
I have a 1984 mercruiser 280 serial number a420778 based on label on valve cover. The boat is a 1984 century 3000 lx run about.<br /><br />This year I continually lose power steering (trim) fluid. Like a container every two weeks or so. I use the boat maybe once or twice a week. I store it out of water when not in use. It leaks while not running. <br /><br />This year I stated noticing "rainbow oil effect" in the drain water after removing the hull plug after use. Once I saw this I started checking all fluids before each use. The oil was not at all low and initially it was had to tell the power steering fluid was going down. I continued to see the rainbow effect in the drain water but kind of blew it off. I could not see any fluids leaving and stop checking the oil on each use. I then tried starting the engine a few weeks ago and noticed the power steering pump did not sound right. I shut it down, checked the fluid, and could see that it was low. Added PS/trim fluid and the pump sounded like normal again. So I at least now knew the it was ps/trim fluid drain from the hull. I aways had power steering during these times.<br /><br />I tried to find the leak. Followed the mainline (non return) from the pump to the to the power steering unit. All connections looked dry. Then followed the line from the ps unit down near the crank line of the engine (port side of boat) where there was a connection an metallic assembly that also had a water hose passing thru it. (power steering fluid cooler?) Then an additional line from this assembly returned to the pump.<br /><br />All of the Power steering line connections looked dry except for the one down low near the assembly with the water lines. It looks and feels oily. Here both of the fluid lines had clamps holding the hoses to the assembly. But I did not try to re-secure them until I learned a little more of what I was dealing with. The assemebly was behind the engine mount and it looked like it might be hard to remove and resecure the ps fuild lines.<br /><br />I am on a fixed income and have a lot of time on my hands. If this is something I can handle I will give it a shot. But I always could go to my local marina where it will at least be a 300 bill. (im guessing)<br /><br />Any suggestions? I do not work so well upside down but I think that is required for this assembly. Or maybe the assemebly is easily removed and new lines attached to the assemebly and the reinstalled.?.<br /><br />Just looking for suggestions...<br /><br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Alan
