Steering help! New boat owner

[Erwin4200]

Hi all, have a 2006 mercruiser 3.0L with 2006 alpha one drive on 2006 bayliner 185. I've only had it out twice since buying it and it's my first boat. Turning the wheel is very difficult when in the water but turning wheel out of water is no problem.

First off, am I right in assuming this is a power steering engine? I've looked a lot online about removing steering cable but when I looked at the alpha one I didn't see a steering cable like I saw on some videos so I'm guessing I don't have manual steering?

It shouldn't be so difficult to turn the wheel in the water. Previous owner said they had it serviced annually.

Where can I start to try and diagnose the issue? Basic language, explanation and pictures would help so I can locate what people are referring to iif possible. Trying to learn as I go so I can work on the boat on my own!!

 

[eavega]

I'm guessing pictures would help. I don't think they typically install power steering with the 3.0L, especially bayliner. I could be wrong.

-E

 

[Bt Doctur]

Guessing it makes easy left turns and 2 handed right turns

 

[stonyloam]

Look at the front of the motor. If there is a belt driven power steering pump, then you have PS, not, then you don't.

 

[Alumarine]

Is it difficult when going very slow in the water or up on plane?

 

[Rick Stephens]

Boats use the same power steering pump as cars and pickups. If you have a pump, you have power steering. Your description makes me think you do have power steering and it isn't working right.

Behind the motor is where the steering cable comes to the transom plate and steers the boat. If you have power steering there is a control valve with a booster there. Looks something like this:

 

[Erwin4200]

what kind of files do pictures have to be? i've tried uploading jpg and jpeg and it won't allow me to do so

 

[Erwin4200]

i haven't noticed a difference turning one direction from the other. i can't remember off hand if it's easier at midspeed rather than full speed

 

[Erwin4200]

right now these are the only pic I have of the engines, have another on phone but keeps telling me it's corrupted. Will hopefully be able to get more tomorrow and if not tomorrow then the 4th for sure

 

[Rick Stephens]

what kind of files do pictures have to be? i've tried uploading jpg and jpeg and it won't allow me to do so

JPEGs work. Have to be under something like 750 KB. Also you have to have 3 posts minimum before you can post photos.

here's a guide: Photo Upload Tutorial

 

[Rick Stephens]

Do you see any hydraulic pump on front of engine?

Any booster/control valve behind engine on driver side?

 

[Erwin4200]

Do you see any hydraulic pump on front of engine?

Any booster/control valve behind engine on driver side?

I'll take a look tomorrow afternoon and get back to you, along with more pictures of the engine compartment and lower drive!

 

[thumpar]

Take a picture of where the belt/belts go. If you have power steering it will be driven off the crank with a belt.

 

[Erwin4200]

Here are a bunch of pictures. Looks like it's power steering. I couldn't find the dipstick to check the levels though. Found engine oil, engine coolant and drive oil but not the power steering fluid. Thoughts? That's the first place I'll check and if that's fine then what is the next step.

 

[thumpar]

That isn't power steering. The pump you have a picture of and rams are for the tilt/trim. The power steering pump would be mounted to the engine and have a belt running it.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Manual steering.

You might start looking for something that is loose or worn out. Grab the outdrive and with someone else holding the steering wheel from turning, try pushing, pulling, lifting, twisting and basically shaking the outdrive to see if one of the swivel pin/bearings is worn out or sheared off. Same inside the boat, grab ahold of the steering cable end and give it a shake.

 

[Erwin4200]

Ok so now that we know its manual steering is this the steering cable then here?

 

[Rick Stephens]

Yes Indeedy. The big aluminum nut at the left, nearest the black cable housing, is what attaches cable housing to transom. Then at the steering arm at the right end is a cotter key and Clevis pin that holds the inner steering cable end on. Pull the Clevis, loosen that nut and the entire steering cable will pull loose of the tube.

Don't loosen the big nut at the pivot. PITA to reset it correctly.

 

[Erwin4200]

Manual steering.

You might start looking for something that is loose or worn out. Grab the outdrive and with someone else holding the steering wheel from turning, try pushing, pulling, lifting, twisting and basically shaking the outdrive to see if one of the swivel pin/bearings is worn out or sheared off. Same inside the boat, grab ahold of the steering cable end and give it a shake.

I'll start with steering cable but wouldn't I have issues turning the wheel out of water if the cable was the problem? What about grease zerks?

 

[Erwin4200]

Where are the service manuals for engine and drive on here? I went to adult only section but they only have service manuals 1-4 there which look like they only go through 1984.