power steering add-on kits?

[monk-monk]

I have a 1972 glastron V-166 w/ '72 1150 merc. This is not the original motor or steering cable, the steering cable was too long so the installer " camal-humped" it to take-up for the extra footage. I have a 14 in. steering wheel but it's still a little hard to turn this big motor. Whats my alternatives? Can I add some type of power steering.. shorten the steering cable?

 

[JB]

Re: power steering add-on kits?

Hydraulic steering might do the trick.

I never heard of power steering on an outboard.

 

[monk-monk]

Re: power steering add-on kits?

ok JB, Can you tell me more about how I can adapt HYDRAULIC steering to my system? I could be mistaken but isn't automotive "Power Steering" HYDRAULIC , as it too uses fluid and valves to boost and equalize fluid pressure...can you please explain the difference between the two??

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: power steering add-on kits?

monk monk, i've camel hump, and double looped teleflex cables for years, without problems. disconnect at the engine and see if it works freely. make sure both engine and cable work freely. if not buy a shorter cable. is your rotary or rack and pinion.

 

[JB]

Re: power steering add-on kits?

Power steering in autos is a boosted servo system, monk monk. It requires an engine driven hydraulic pump to boost the operator inputs.

The hydraulic steering used in boats is un-boosted. It works a bit like a hydraulic jack or non-power hydraulic brakes.

In the boat system you operate a master cylinder by turning the wheel. That sends fluid to operate the slave cylinder which turns the engine. It is most commonly used where the push-pull mechanical system's cable cannot be conveniently routed from helm to engine.

 

[DJ]

Re: power steering add-on kits?

As suggested. Disconnect the steering from the engine and make sure the engine swivels easily.

See hydraulic steering kit below.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...=223671821&list_time=1158755573&view_id=40316

 

[monk-monk]

Re: power steering add-on kits?

Thanks for the info, I have rack and pinion: y'all suggest disconneting, if the cable seems to be tight can i just grease it ? and what if the motor doesn't swivel freely, cable only has two camal humps in it which makes three lower bends. I'm simply looking for some easier steering and genuine guidance from somebody willing to help me. And JB you did answer my question about the difference of the two systems...but that didn't help me achieve smooth steering.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: power steering add-on kits?

Just as a side note, there is power steering for outboards. OMC had it back in the 80's. The pump was run off of a belt just like on cars. T-flex now has the system that was developed at Hynautic. The pump for it is electric.

Basically the pump pressurizes the cylinder on the front of the motor. That cylinder is similar to the hydraulic steering cylinder. The steering (cable or side mount hydraulic) hooks to that. At that point all the steering does is open a valve. Once the valve is open, the pump pressure moves the outboard. Really neat but a big, big no-no on a performance boat.