1991 Bayliner Capri 1700 LS Steering Troubles

[Egan Dolph]

I had a huge misfortune a couple weeks ago where my boat trailer came off the hitch while I was getting on the freeway. Luckily I had the safety towing chains attached and I was able to pull over and correct the problem without any serious side effects. The problem is that I think from that incident the engine slammed from port to starboard a couple times and jammed the steering piston. Ive been trying to unjam the piston but Im afraid it is time for a new one. This is where my troubles lay. I cant find a single tech manual that has an explanation of how to remove this steering cylinder. PLease, is there anyone that has had a similar problem and may have a solution?

 

[banjoport]

Re: 1991 Bayliner Capri 1700 LS Steering Troubles

This is high risk potential for ignorance. I am not familiar with the Capri 17 however I have a Capri 2070 and it doesn't have hydraulic steering. I have an L Drive so if you have an outboard it may be has this steering. At any rate I doubt that this is the source of your problem unless the jolt damaged the ram. Disconnect the steering from the motor and see if the wheel turns freely, if not the problem is in the Hydraulic/cable system. You didn't indicate outboard or L Drive so the simplest check is the one I have proposed. The next check is of the drive unit itself and solution of these problems are expensive. Best get a manual and then go to a parts supplier (ie Crowley Marine or Stem to Stern) and look at the blowup of the prospective damaged part to get an idea of what you are dealing with. Hope this is of some help.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: 1991 Bayliner Capri 1700 LS Steering Troubles

You should have Teleflex rack and pinion cable steering with the cable output passing througn the engine's tilt tube (this kind of looks like a piston). If you have hydraulic, it's custom. Take a closer look, and if it is the cable type, I'll be glad to try to walk you through removal. I just did it a month ago.

Good Luck!