Empty reservoir on 0MC 5.0 1993 Four Wins... no clue what it is!!

[fourwinns93]

I just bought a 1993 Four Winns 190 Horizon with a 5.0 OMC. When I open the engine hatch there is a reservoir in the front right corner with an orange cap. Its been empty since I bought the boat, I have no clue what its for... steering fluid?? Please, any help is appreciated!! I attached a picture. Thanks!

 

[maxxman04]

Re: Empty reservoir on 0MC 5.0 1993 Four Wins... no clue what it is!!

yes, the resevoir with orange cap and belt around pulley is in fact power steering pump. just twist cap off, has dipstick attached to it, fill resevoir with fluid till full ACCORDING TO THE DIPSTICK. DO NOT OVERFILL, and off ya go.

 

[UpperUpsilon]

Re: Empty reservoir on 0MC 5.0 1993 Four Wins... no clue what it is!!

That would be the power steering fluid. My Merc takes dextron III atf in there. If it's been ran completely dry/empty, it might have destroyed the bearings in the pump.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Empty reservoir on 0MC 5.0 1993 Four Wins... no clue what it is!!

Yes that is power steering fluid if it is bone dry the pump may already be toast. Or one of the lines may have a leak in it and the PO cleaned it up well and left it as is. Have you had the boat on the water yet how was it to steer? I would put some fluid in it(just regular power steering fluid) hook up the muffs in the driveway start it and have the outdrive lowered. keep an eye on the pump and all of the lines on it and have someone turn the wheel a number of times crank to crank to see if it is even working or if it leaks. It would be much easier to deal with in the driveway than on the lake. You should know pretty quick if it leaks or works. Good luck.