Purging Air From Steering System
When system components have been serviced, pump must be refilled
with fluid before engine is started. Perform the following steps to purge
air from the steering system.
Caution!
Do not run pump even momentarily without fluid. Pump
will be ruined or severely damaged.
1. With engine ?OFF,? turn helm all the way to port. Add power steering
fluid to bring fluid level to ?COLD? mark on dipstick.
2. Start engine, run momentarily and shut off engine. Recheck fluid
level and fill to ?COLD? mark. Repeat this step as necessary until
system no longer requires additional fluid.
3. Complete purging of air from system by starting engine and turning
wheel slowly lock-to-lock. Maintain fluid level above pump
body in reservoir.
4. Returning fluid with air in it will often be in the form of foam and
will have a light tan or red appearance. Maintain fluid level high
enough so foam is not drawn into pump inlet. All air must be eliminated
from fluid before normal steering action can be obtained. If
excessive foam accumulates in reservoir it must be removed, or
let unit stand for an hour and repeat steps above.
5. After all air has been purged, return wheel to centered position.
Continue to run engine for several minutes and then shut engine
off.
6. With engine ?OFF? and with fluid at normal operating temperature,
recheck to make sure fluid level is at ?HOT? mark on dipstick.
7. Water test the boat to make sure the steering functions normally
and is free from noise.
