Steering wheel won't turn- the outboard won't move?

[BMW91]

Hello, I have a little problem. Recently I bought a boat that I'm restoring (1990 Maxum 1800 w/ Force 90) and I cannot turn the outboard- at all. The steering wheel will only move a little bit when great force is applied and the outboard moves about an inch or so at most. Where is the problem? How do I solve it? Is there any way to fix this, or do I have to replace everything from front to back?

P.S. There is no linkage. The whole steering system is hydraulic, that's why I am so surprised.

Thanks,
Jake

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering wheel won't turn- the outboard won't move?

Ayuh,... Corrosion seized inside the tilt tube,..??

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Steering wheel won't turn- the outboard won't move?

Your helm pump may be shot. They can seize up. You may have a leak somewhere (typically the seals in the steering cylinder) which drains the helm unit. Then, when force is applied to the steering wheel, bad things can happen.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Steering wheel won't turn- the outboard won't move?

Disconnect at the motor then test both, motor and steering seperately.

 

[Borgey401]

Re: Steering wheel won't turn- the outboard won't move?

Yeah you need to disconnect the steering from the motor. Once it's disconnected see if the outboard can turn freely. You should probably get some marine grease and apply it to all the fittings on your outboard too. Once you figure out which part of the steering it is then you can go from there.