Continued issues with stiff powersteering

[Jschoenherr]

Hello, I have a 1988 alpha one gen one with stiff steering when pump is running. I've been trying tobaddreas this on and off for a few years no with no success. I'm taking the boat to the Ozarks next week so it's time to try again.
My symptoms:
If I disconnect the PS pump and drain it then I can turn the wheel with one finger while on a trailer, but fairly hard in the water. I can boat and have a good time, but docking and tubing are difficult. But if the system is full and connected then the steering is super stiff (2 hands to turn) as well as a significant power loss and hot to the touch fluid almost immediately.
my efforts to remedy the situation:
I've lubed the metal tube at the actuator where it slides. Cable seems to move freely but still no power steering.. I've rebuilt the actuator with no effect. Swapped actuator with used "good" unit, no change. I reinstalled the original rebuilt unit.. iirc, there is a screw or something that I could adjust and adjusting that screw would move the ram in and out. I'm pretty sure my flats are vertical (or I don't thing my unit has them, I don't recall as of this writing, Ill double check) I suspect pump is okay due to engine load although I've ordered a new one and cable is okay because it's fine when disconnected. I'm running out of ideas. Any input would be appreciated, you guys and gals are awesome!
Thanks

 

[alldodge]

If I disconnect the PS pump and drain it then I can turn the wheel with one finger while on a trailer

Should not matter if the pump is full or empty of fluid with the motor OFF. The steering should be easy enough either way

Is the flats on the ram straight up and down as in the pic (Fig d)?

 

[Jschoenherr]

I dont think I have flats on my unit..

 

[Jschoenherr]

Actually, mine looks way different than the diagram

 

[alldodge]

OK my bad, old Alpha
The steering ram is where the issue is. There is a valve inside which moves when the the cable push/pulls it.

 

[Jschoenherr]

Thank you for the response and diagram! I rebuilt this unit last year and was pretty pleased with the result. I'm not saying I did it right, but I'm pretty sure I didn't do it wrong.
Is there a test I can do to verify proper opperation?

 

[alldodge]

Assuming it doesn't need to be rebalanced. Balancing isn't needed if when the motor is running the helm doesn't slowly creep to one side

Helm is bleed by filling and rotating the helm full one side to the other a few times

Testing

 

[cptbill]

I noticed in the pic that says "no flats" that the lock tag is scraping against the shaft that's pictured that might have something to do with it, or not. I had bought a p.s. pump for an old Bayliner I had years back and the steering effort changed when I installed the new pump, turns out That the pressure valve that came with the new pump was different than the on I had. Once I put the old pressure valve in the new pump the problem was solved.

 

[Jschoenherr]

Thanks everyone, I haven't had a chance to test yet as I was waiting on new power steering hoses. I have also installed a new pump (I swapped the valve over, hopefully that isn't the issue). I'm going to hook it up to another actuator and see if either one will work.

 

[Jschoenherr]

Well, seems like I'm right back where I started for another year. What a bummer.
The new pump seemed to work really well until all the air was out then it was back to rock hard steering. Even after balancing the actuator. It did seem to work OUTSIDE of the boat (I hooked the cables to it before installing). But no go now..
To be honest, I'm not sure how this is supposed to work because the way the guide tube is connected to the clevis, it seems like it can only pivot up and down, not back and forth I certainly can't get it to with my strength.. I'm still open to ideas
- james