OMC Power Steering Issues - Please Help

[drexton311]

Moved here for better visibility...How do I delete the other post?

​1988 OMC Chevy 5.0 with Cobra I/O

I am chasing power steering issues and have not run across a post that is like what I am experiencing. Maybe a little help from the knowledgeable group please. All tests were done on muffs on a warm motor, sterndrive lowered of course.

So, I have determined that my power steering has a few issues.

First issue: I noticed a light sheen on the lake water and had heard that this may be the result of a bad oil cooler. Upon inspection, I found that the cooler is leaking water; no problem, a new cooler is ordered and inbound. (Found a new one on ebay for $99.00, replaces OMC P/N 983849) I guess this solves my issue of constantly having water in the bilge!

Second issue: the power steering actuator leaks from what appears to be the fittings (high pressure into the ram and low pressure heading to the cooler) It seems that it only leaks when I run the steering to full blocked position in one direction, the other direction, it does nothing. I did tighten the fittings, they were not too incredibly loose and I understand that I am not supposed to steer lock to lock, and I do not, but I was testing the system for leaks when I realized what was happening and since the PS reservoir does not empty out as quickly as I thought, I am guessing that’s because I do not normally steer lock to lock. Also, when I greased the ram through the fitting, it expanded the cylinder, which I though was weird. In addition, the steering feels like it is pulsing when I turn the wheel.

Third issue: simultaneously when steering to full blocked position, the power steering pump stops spinning which allows the belt to forcefully “slide” on the stationary pulley causing a squealing noise. Now I have adjusted the belt tension, so this happens even with what appears to be good belt tension. I cannot find any other PS leaks.

So my questions:
Is it normal for a steering actuator to shed oil when under a load as I put it under?
What is the pulsing feeling I get when steering? How do I correct it?
What is going on with the pump, I assume that is not normal?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Josh

 

[drexton311]

Man! I thought I'd get at least one comment by now. Where did everyone go?

 

[southkogs]

Well, I've been looking in on it ... but I've never had power steering, so I've got no clue. Sorry drexton.

 

[GA_Boater]

Was the power steering run with low fluid? It sounds like you had a gusher under the doghouse.



1) Is it normal for a steering actuator to shed oil when under a load as I put it under? No


2) What is the pulsing feeling I get when steering? How do I correct it?
2) What is going on with the pump, I assume that is not normal?

Replace the cooler first, purge/flush the system, fill with new fluid. Then see what's going on.

"Also, when I greased the ram through the fitting, it expanded the cylinder"

What expanded? Can you explain a little more?

Also - Don't start new threads on the same issue. Thanks.

 

[drexton311]

Thanks for the reply and efforts, SK and GA!

GA - I tried to delete my previous thread, so apologies for the duplicate.


"Also, when I greased the ram through the fitting, it expanded the cylinder"

The ram slightly extended on the cylinder when I greased the fitting. I assumed this was because the system was under pressure (motor running at the time) and that was just a reaction to addition volume in the gear box. (I could be wrong, just basing this off of non-boat related experience.)

I have a new cooler inbound and the tracking number says it will be here tomorrow. I will do as you suggested and advise results. I am also hoping that when I tightened up the fittings to the ram that this will take care of the high pressure (under load) leak, we will see.

 

[drexton311]

So I replaced the oil cooler and purged the systems. I re-tightened the PS belt and tightened all the fittings. It appears that all of these actions did the trick. I took it out today and the steered with no issues and did not appear to leak, or the PS pump stop spinning. Thanks for the help! Now I have a new issues and will post in a new thread.