I have a '91 OMC Cobra with a steering issue. I've found that when I turn all the way left, compressing the steering assembly, fluid squirts out of the top of the power steering reservoir. This just recently started happening, and I haven't added any fluid in a couple of seasons, so I'm sure it's not overfilled. The problem that this is causing is now the reservoir gets low, and I can't steer while the boat is getting on plane. It's fine at idle and after the boat is on plane though, but getting harder when it's on plane. I have a theory, but wanted to get your opinions before I tried this out.
Theory: I think since I've not added any in a while, the fluid may have gotten low, sucking air into the lines, which replaced the space of the fluid, making the reservoir act like it's overfilled. A clue that supports this theory is that when I pull the out-drive back and forth from the back of the boat, I can hear it, and it sounds a little bubbly.
If this theory is correct, I suppose I need to bleed the lines. Would I do that by adding fluid to the reservoir with the motor turned hard left, then turn it hard right to make the lines suck in the fluid, then turn hard left again and repeat until all of the air is out? I got that idea by doing an internet search, but it was from a car forum, so I'm skeptical that it'll work in this situation.
Thanks in advance!
Theory: I think since I've not added any in a while, the fluid may have gotten low, sucking air into the lines, which replaced the space of the fluid, making the reservoir act like it's overfilled. A clue that supports this theory is that when I pull the out-drive back and forth from the back of the boat, I can hear it, and it sounds a little bubbly.
If this theory is correct, I suppose I need to bleed the lines. Would I do that by adding fluid to the reservoir with the motor turned hard left, then turn it hard right to make the lines suck in the fluid, then turn hard left again and repeat until all of the air is out? I got that idea by doing an internet search, but it was from a car forum, so I'm skeptical that it'll work in this situation.
Thanks in advance!
