Just installed a nearly new Volvo 300 B (5.7L) with a DP-SM outdrive and I've got no power steering. Actually, it feels like there might be a little power to the steering when the boat is up on step at 3000+ rpm, but at idle, it takes weightlifter arms to crank it.
Prior to installing the Volvo, this same steering cable worked perfectly with the old Bravo III outdrive.
I read up on how to bleed it (engine off) and spent some hours working on that with no success.
Thought maby just driving it and using it for a while would burp-bleed out any air, but I drove for over 2 hours and really used the steering a lot (pulling crab pots) and still nothing.
I disconnected the smaller fitting that goes into the actuator (from the pump) and fluid came out when I turned the wheel. The reservoir is full and there does not appear to be any leaking whatsoever.
Pulled off the steering cable pin where it attaches to the actuator and worked that around a bit. Lubricated the cable and really worked it around. Wasn't easy to turn the wheel with the cable disconnected, but I'm not sure it's supposed to be. The outdrive turned pretty easily with just one hand when the steering cable was disconnected. Worked the steering ram a lot by hand while the cable was disconnected, it moved fairly easily.
Every once on a while when it's running and I'm turning the wheel it it feels like the power steering kicks on for a fraction of a second, and then nothing again. It's also a lot easier to steer when up and running on step.
The pump isn't making any bad noises... in fact, it isn't really making any noise at all, and I don't hear any change of pitch from the pump when I crank on the wheel like I would expect.
What do I do now???
Thanks!
Prior to installing the Volvo, this same steering cable worked perfectly with the old Bravo III outdrive.
I read up on how to bleed it (engine off) and spent some hours working on that with no success.
Thought maby just driving it and using it for a while would burp-bleed out any air, but I drove for over 2 hours and really used the steering a lot (pulling crab pots) and still nothing.
I disconnected the smaller fitting that goes into the actuator (from the pump) and fluid came out when I turned the wheel. The reservoir is full and there does not appear to be any leaking whatsoever.
Pulled off the steering cable pin where it attaches to the actuator and worked that around a bit. Lubricated the cable and really worked it around. Wasn't easy to turn the wheel with the cable disconnected, but I'm not sure it's supposed to be. The outdrive turned pretty easily with just one hand when the steering cable was disconnected. Worked the steering ram a lot by hand while the cable was disconnected, it moved fairly easily.
Every once on a while when it's running and I'm turning the wheel it it feels like the power steering kicks on for a fraction of a second, and then nothing again. It's also a lot easier to steer when up and running on step.
The pump isn't making any bad noises... in fact, it isn't really making any noise at all, and I don't hear any change of pitch from the pump when I crank on the wheel like I would expect.
What do I do now???
Thanks!
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