Mercruiser 3.0 Steering Issues

[kgordon20138]

Bought a 1988 Sea Ray with a 3.0 Mercruiser I/O. Everything has gone well so far, but as I started to do some fluid checks, noticed the power steering was bone dry (would not have known from steering before), so I filled it with the recommended power steering fluid. About a day later I notice the steering has become MUCH more difficult and stiff to turn. I know just enough to get myself in trouble when it comes to repairs, so would like to save some money and hoping I just need to add some lube and marine grease. Is this the fitting in the first picture to add the grease? Any other things to try to help out with this? Is it coincidence or any other reason it would become so stiff after adding the power steering fluid?

 

[Chris1956]

Grease the steering rod (#2 picture). That usually helps.

Monitor the PS fluid level. At the age of your motor, the PS hoses can leak or the PS cooler (if you have one), can leak PS fluid into the water.