Power Steering ???? 4.3L Merc

[Indy1830SS]

Just bought a 1994 Chaparral 1830SS. I've been around boats for a long time (this is my first attempt at ownership), but only outboards and 4 cyl. I/O's - nothing with power steering. On its maiden tryout voyage the power steering didn't seem to be working - at least I think that is a fair assumption. It required significant pressure to turn the wheel, and was pretty unresponsive - very mushy. Realizing that I don't really know what power steering in a boat should feel like....I thought I would ask. All I can compare it to is automotive power steering. We can get into diagnosis if you have any ideas, but I thought I would start with, what does good power steering feel like on a boat???? The boat is in otherwise excellent shape, and ran very smoothly after sitting in storage for 3 years. I'll have some other questions along the way.

Thanks for any ideas/tips...

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Power Steering ???? 4.3L Merc

Welcome to iboats....
Should be easy, as in steering with one hand......
What type of engine/drive?....​

 

[Indy1830SS]

Re: Power Steering ???? 4.3L Merc

Merc 4.3LX/Alpha drive.

Thanks for the quick response! OK - it's broke....Good to know that it should steer that easy....something to look forward too! Does fixing the power steering likely also fix the mushy/unresponsive characteristic or does that sound like a separate issue?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Power Steering ???? 4.3L Merc

Have you checked the power steering fluid level? It has a P/S pump just like you would find on a GM auto. Also make sure the P/S pump belt is not slipping.

 

[Indy1830SS]

Re: Power Steering ???? 4.3L Merc

Yes - Fluid is full, belt is tight and in good shape (have not run it with the box open to observe, but there is no noise/smell like associated with slipping). I am not looking forward to getting to those parts behind the motor if that is what it takes......

Is there any potential for air in the system or something simple from setting for so long?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Power Steering ???? 4.3L Merc

My 1st Guess is,........

That your Steering Cable is dragging,+ needs Replacing........
But,.....
That's Just a Guess.........

 

[Indy1830SS]

Re: Power Steering ???? 4.3L Merc

Thanks for the idea, I will have to see look closer at the steering cable or what I can see of it...other than the connection at the steering wheel, the whole thing is so hidden that, well should be fun!

I did a little test tonight and the boat steering feels identical whether the motor is running or not (on the trailer). Not sure that proves anything, but it seems like that if the power unit was assisting at all, it would at least feel different on than off. More questions, but the cable does seem like a good place to start.

 

[Daddy5295]

Re: Power Steering ???? 4.3L Merc

I have a 02' Chapparal with the same set up and yes it is very difficult to get to anything. Im in the process of pulling the motor and you have to remove everything starting at the back seat, not fun. Mine steers just like a car very easy. Sounds like the p/s pump may have gone out. If it were mine I would take the belt off and take the hose loose and turn it by hand to see if it was pumping or not.

 

[Indy1830SS]

Re: Power Steering ???? 4.3L Merc

Interesting suggestion....but can you really tell if the pump is working or not without any pressure against it?

 

[Daddy5295]

Re: Power Steering ???? 4.3L Merc

Put your finger over the hole and you should feel pressure.

 

[Indy1830SS]

Re: Power Steering ???? 4.3L Merc

Certainly worth a try - thanks!