power steering questions!

[steves86ta]

Hi all,

I have a 1980 Bahner that had a mercruiser "228" from the factory. I still have the original MR1 drive but have since thrown a built vortec 350 in it. She runs very well and im quite impressed. I headed out for the 4th and ran her pretty darn hard for the day i was on the water. Second day comes and i find out my driveshaft bellows ripped. Okay no biggie fly back to the ramp (about 10-15 miles) and throw her on the trailer.

My question is, i have the stock power steering and it works great (i learned just how well when i ran out of fuel the day before and had to switch tanks). But i really dont want anything going wrong at 65+ mph, and i do not know what areas i should check. The steering is tight with zero play, and it runs nice and straight. I just figure while i have it torn apart is there anything i should be suspect of? Should inspect? Lube? Etc? all of the cables are in great shape as they have been replaced recently (before i got the boat).

I just really would rather inspect/replace while i have everything apart than have an issue on my upcoming week long trip. And i really do not want to be making a hard left or right turn at 70 because i didnt inspect something.

I appreciate your time, thanks!
Steve

 

[Bondo]

Re: power steering questions!

Hi all,

I have a 1980 Bahner that had a mercruiser "228" from the factory. I still have the original MR1 drive but have since thrown a built vortec 350 in it. She runs very well and im quite impressed. I headed out for the 4th and ran her pretty darn hard for the day i was on the water. Second day comes and i find out my driveshaft bellows ripped. Okay no biggie fly back to the ramp (about 10-15 miles) and throw her on the trailer.

My question is, i have the stock power steering and it works great (i learned just how well when i ran out of fuel the day before and had to switch tanks). But i really dont want anything going wrong at 65+ mph, and i do not know what areas i should check. The steering is tight with zero play, and it runs nice and straight. I just figure while i have it torn apart is there anything i should be suspect of? Should inspect? Lube? Etc? all of the cables are in great shape as they have been replaced recently (before i got the boat).

I just really would rather inspect/replace while i have everything apart than have an issue on my upcoming week long trip. And i really do not want to be making a hard left or right turn at 70 because i didnt inspect something.

I appreciate your time, thanks!
Steve

Ayuh,... The Bellows are Outside the boat,... The steerin' is all inside the boat,... You won't be workin' on it,...

For Checkin' it over, it's pretty obvious what hooks to what, 'n where each piece fits,...

The only real problem spot is where the cable goes through the aluminum tube,...
It'll corrode, 'n bind, but not break free or nothin',...

 

[steves86ta]

Re: power steering questions!

Ayuh,... The Bellows are Outside the boat,... The steerin' is all inside the boat,... You won't be workin' on it,...

For Checkin' it over, it's pretty obvious what hooks to what, 'n where each piece fits,...

The only real problem spot is where the cable goes through the aluminum tube,...
It'll corrode, 'n bind, but not break free or nothin',...

Yeah i know the two are in different areas, i guess i should have worded it as while its down. But its good to hear it is a pretty simple design.
thanks
steve

 

[Bondo]

Re: power steering questions!

Yeah i know the two are in different areas, i guess i should have worded it as while its down. But its good to hear it is a pretty simple design.
thanks
steve

Ayuh,... The Power side of yer steerin' is pretty basic, 'n reliable too,...

The pump, pumps through the hi-pressure line to the actuator, 'n the low pressure returns through the cooler, to the pump,...

'bout the only thing that goes wrong might be a worn hose, or frozen, 'n split cooler,....