When I start the engine steering cylinder immediately extends

[AMMO DAWG]

I put a marine power 5.7 engine in my 1999 Rinker and replaced the Merc outdrive with a Volvo DP-SM dual prop. All has gone well until I started the engine and attempted to bleed the steering system. As soon as I start the engine the steering cylinder immediately extends by itself and I have to fight it to turn the wheel the other direction (Port). I got the steering cylinder on eBay, was advertised as slightly used. I have the GM steering pump that came with the engine, it's not a Volvo steering pump, don't think that should matter. Really appreciate any insight you can provide on possible things I should do to resolve this. Thanks in advance.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Boats use a different pressure relief valve in the P/S pump,....

'n, the wrench flats on the cylinder's actuator valve need to be straight up, 'n down,....

 

[AMMO DAWG]

Thanks Bondo, the pump is for marine applications, can you give me more info on the wrench flats, you don't happen to have a diagram. Again, thanks for the quick reply

 

[Fun Times]

Page 5-2 covers the flats but be sure to read the whole section to help give you an insight of the working system. http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Techbk/97/97hs5.pdf

So the power steering pump is original/untouched? Hopefully you don't have a new to you bad actuator.

 

[AMMO DAWG]

Thanks FT, I'll check the flats in the morning, sure hope it's that simple. The pump was with the Marine Power Engine when I bought it. It's the same model as the link below. .

http://marineenginedepot.com/MP/Mar...mp-3.0L-262ci-to-8.2L-502ci-Without-Resevior/

 

[AMMO DAWG]

Unfortunately, no love on the vertical flat, mine was completely vertical. Just as a side note I went through my Volvo workshop manual and there was no mention of the flats being vertical, not sure if it was omitted or there cylinder has a different design. Not sure where to go from here. I would just swap out the steering cylinder if they weren't so dang expensive. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[ptj11]

I have the same problem in my 2000 5.7GS DP SXM. Getting a pressure test gauge today to verify that that the pump is good. I pulled the low pressure hose off of the oil cooler and briefly ran the motor. Fluid comes out fine so I assume that the pump is good but I want to check it anyway. I removed the oil cooler and it looks fine. I'm thinking the steering ram is bad or blocked/contaminated etc.I will report back later after I test the pump.