Power steering hiccup - boat's revenge?

[Another retired guy]

Last voyage of the season and the boat ( see signature ) has to remind me that it is old Took it to the marina for winterizing and its long winter sleep, but as I backed out from my dock I found I had no power steering. I stopped to check fluid and belt - both ok - so figured it was because I was idling - although it has not happened before. Carried on along our narrow channel to the lake and opened her up - still no power assist!
But, after a few minutes of cruising the power assist came back and was ok for the rest of the trip.
It has not been very cold here, temp here this morning around 50F ( I know - that's cold to some ).
Now I'm going to be thinking about this for the next 7 months
Any ideas as to what the problem may have been?

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Power steering hiccup - boat's revenge?

The power steering pump wore out........when it warmed up it simply started working. Unless it ran low recently,it's possible it had an air pocket,but if it was low, it has a leak wich needs to be repaired.

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Power steering hiccup - boat's revenge?

The power steering pump wore out........when it warmed up it simply started working. Unless it ran low recently,it's possible it had an air pocket,but if it was low, it has a leak wich needs to be repaired.

Fluid level has been stable - no leaks or strange noises so I'm also thinking that it just wore out.It looks original so it's had a good life. Maybe the slightly cooler temp this morning was the final straw and it just couldn't pump the cooler fluid?

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Power steering hiccup - boat's revenge?

The pump is my guess 24 yrs old could be a sign of it'd parishable life ending! Look at it this way you have all winter to look for a replacement.