Power steering not working.

[1979 Quartermasters]

Hi Guys;

Well I splashed her here in Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada. Real windy and almost warm, 17*c (62*f).

I found out the hard way how slippery my hull was on my brand new bunks on the new trailer. I undid the chain and the strap when my wheels were at the water and started to back up and realized I forgot to undo the elec cord and touched the brakes. Well off it went to the amazement of the onlooking crowd. Luckily I was in deep enough that it didn't hit bottom.


On to the steering problem. It steers the same when the engine is running or not. It seem to change from really hard to easy and back. Almost jerky. The steering fluid is up and nothing seems to be leeking. I noticed It was hard to steer last year, but thought that was normal. I see guys steering with the palm of their hands. There is no way I can can steer That easily.

I don't now where to begin looking.

It didn't hit or bend any thing going in " the hard way"

Thanks for help......

Ken

The boat in question is in my signature.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Power steering not working.

Ayuh,.... Pull the cable end outa the aluminum tube at the transom, 'n Clean the corrosion out of it, grease it, 'n try it...

Test the cable 'n helm while apart, as well as the swing of the drive....

 

[achris]

Re: Power steering not working.

There seems to be quite a lot of people with that vintage system (first few years of the 'new style' power steering cylinder) that are having exactly the same problem. Check that you have nothing tied to the steering cable anywhere along its length, that it is completely free to move at both the helm end and the engine end.

With the engine not running, get someone to turn the steering from one side to another while you watch the control valve that the steering cable nut is tightened onto. It should move about 6mm (1/4") each way, and fairly easily.

If you are getting 'shuddering' with the engine running that could indicate air in the system. Ensure the pump reservoir is full and swing the steering lock to lock evenly a few times. That should clear any air out of the system...

Chris.......

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Power steering not working.

I took that pin out and undid that big nut and removed from the ram. The steering was still difficult even though it was not moving the drive. I tried to pull the red arrow while holding the yellow arrow and it would not budge. (as shown in the picture). Should I be able to move this by hand.

The part number seems to be rubbed of a little. Maybe one of you guys that are familiar whit this device can recognize the number.



Would it be your opinion that this cable needs replacing?

How would I know if the ram is the problem?

Thanks.....

Ken

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Power steering not working.

I was looking at i-boats parts and I discoverd a couple of interesting things.

In the picture the in my last post, the part number looks like ssc12413 and then it says 15 ft.

In the parts description at iboats, the part number for the 15 ft cable is ssc12415.

Does anybody Know the answer to this puzzel?

....Ken

 

[chum1]

Re: Power steering not working.

looks like the top of the '3' has been wore off

 

[achris]

Re: Power steering not working.

I took that pin out and undid that big nut and removed from the ram. The steering was still difficult even though it was not moving the drive. I tried to pull the red arrow while holding the yellow arrow and it would not budge. (as shown in the picture). Should I be able to move this by hand.

You should NOT be able to move the sections you have arrowed. You should be able to move the section with the yellow arrow and the end tube of the cable.

The part number seems to be rubbed of a little. Maybe one of you guys that are familiar whit this device can recognize the number.

That's a 15 ft cable. I agree with chum1, the 5 is worn some and looks like a 3...

Would it be your opinion that this cable needs replacing?

If the cable is out of the ram and still stiff, it's either the cable (most likely) or the helm unit. Remove the cable from the helm unit (which you'll have to do anyway) and turn the wheel.

How would I know if the ram is the problem?

Once you get the cable/helm unit sorted, then put the cable back in the ram and try it out. If it's stiff, the ram (or drive itself) is a problem...

Chris.....

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Power steering not working.

Thanks for your input. I'm going to order a new cable today.

Will let you know how it works out.....

Ken

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Power steering not working.

Well I got my new steering cable yesterday an am getting ready to install it. The instructions say not to lube the cable as it is lubed in the factory. I'm wondering if i need to put grease on the part that is indicated by the green arrow ( don't know its name). I have 2C4 with teflon. Will that work?



Thanks....

Ken

 

[achris]

Re: Power steering not working.

Yes, grease it....

 

[chum1]

Re: Power steering not working.

Hey Achris from down under glad yer still around.

 

[achris]

Re: Power steering not working.

Hey Achris from down under glad yer still around.

Glad to be around...

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Power steering not working.

Well I got her all put back together and took her for a rip. Runs beautiful, steers like she's brand new.

Thanks for help.....

Ken