Hard Steering under load only. Alt conversion?

[UncleBomb]

I've got a 1985 Sea Ray 19' Seville that I just bought and took out for a trial run. It is running a 170 hp inline 4 merc. The voltage regulator blew up. I'll be swapping that out for another system. Anyone recommend a good source for the conversion kit.

The reason for this thread is the outdrive turns like butter from the steering wheel and outdrive ends but takes two hands and lots of effort to turn at 3/4 throttle. It is hard in both directions so I don't think the outdrive tab is incorrectly set.

Any way to test if the cable is worn or if it is the pivot joints without buying new stuff. Someone greased the crap out of the steering arm with yellow grease. I've read this can cause the steering to get difficult. Like I said, it turns so easy on the trailer.

The steering cable appears to be new(er).

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Hard Steering under load only. Alt conversion?

Welcome to iboats......
Try ebay for the alternator kit.......
Does this boat have power steering?......
Good luck with that 170......​

 

[wire2]

Re: Hard Steering under load only. Alt conversion?

All that grease implies the the previous owner knew of the steering problem, tried to fix it by pumping it full.
You say steering difficult at 3/4 throttle, is it ok at 1/4, 1/2, or full?
Are the linkage connections at the drive end of the cable ok?

 

[UncleBomb]

Re: Hard Steering under load only. Alt conversion?

Thanks for the welcome.

It is non-power steering.

I know about the voltage regulator problem and the camshaft seal. Any other big issues?

 

[UncleBomb]

Re: Hard Steering under load only. Alt conversion?

It gets more difficult as you get underway. Unfortunately, I didn't get to play with it very long since the Voltage regulator blew, the oil pressure dropped quite low (boat was warmed up good). I think this is another characteristic of this motor. Goes like a banshee and corners great. The boat stalled and was hard to start again. Starter groaned alot. Heard the timing can help with this hot start condition.

The linkage all looks pretty clean/new.

Any particular vendor at ebay?

 

[UncleBomb]

Re: Hard Steering under load only. Alt conversion?

Is their any reason or benefit to removing the stator assy when you do the conversion. I know you have to secure the wires and make them safe. Someone claims better mpg and mph????? Any ideas how? The magnets can't cause that much drag can they??

 

[wire2]

Re: Hard Steering under load only. Alt conversion?

I suspect the gimbal has worn bearings. Have someone big press their foot against prop hard while holding the back of the boat on the trailer, (to simulate prop thrust). You may find it starts to get tight.

Remove stator? Why? I don't know of any modification that will affect rpm/mph.
You can get a new marine alternator on fleabay for ~$65.

 

[UncleBomb]

Re: Hard Steering under load only. Alt conversion?

What about the bracket and pulley?

How difficult is it to change the gimbal housing bearings. I assume these are the bearings at 12:00 and 6:00 on the housing. I know what is involved to change the Gimbal bearing itself. I may remove the outdrive anyways to change the water pump and inspect the gimbal bearing. The gimbal bearing itself is pretty quiet and smooth. I want to check the engine alignment also while I'm there.

Thanks for your replies.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Hard Steering under load only. Alt conversion?

What about the bracket and pulley?

How difficult is it to change the gimbal housing bearings. I assume these are the bearings at 12:00 and 6:00 on the housing. I know what is involved to change the Gimbal bearing itself. I may remove the outdrive anyways to change the water pump and inspect the gimbal bearing. The gimbal bearing itself is pretty quiet and smooth. I want to check the engine alignment also while I'm there.

Thanks for your replies.

I would most certainly check alignment, & also any weakness in the transom or motor mounts.....
Before you remove the drive do a wiggle test, up & down & see if there is any play....
Sounds like something is binding under load.....
& that means movement where you don't want it......
Type 170 Mercruiser alternator on ebay, I'm sure you'll get a hit.....
I think it's like $400......

 

[toddb3]

Re: Hard Steering under load only. Alt conversion?

This may be a stupid question but when you are having a hard time turning is the trim all the way down? The reason I ask is I've got almost the same set-up as you and I have to have mine trimmed all the way down for it to steer easily.

 

[Don S]

Re: Hard Steering under load only. Alt conversion?

If you steering is only hard under load, it's most likely a bad steering cable. Probably worn at a sharp bend and binds when pressure from the drive is experted.
Have someone try to hold the drive while you steer. If they can make it hard for you, you need a new cable (actually the complete steering kit with helm unit)

 

[UncleBomb]

Re: Hard Steering under load only. Alt conversion?

Spring is coming and I just ordered the alt. conversion kit from aftermarket marine to fix the Stator/Reg problem. I also ordered an ignitor II electronic ignition conversion,flamethrower II coil and 8mm plug wires. They are due to arrive today.

I am looking forward to doing these couple of things. I hope it really makes a difference.

Any reason to take the stator out? Sell it? Benefits? Has anyone done this conversion. Pulley alignment suggestions.

Any recomendations for a steering cable or site. Teleflex?

Experiences?

Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Hard Steering under load only. Alt conversion?

Any reason to take the stator out? Sell it? Benefits?

Ayuh,.....

I've "Heard" that the magnets can,+ do occasionally break free,.....
And raise all kinds of the havack that Flying Metal causes......