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Posts: 2378
| So the first trip out this year I am having some issues with my hydraulic steering. I can turn the motor right no problem, but when i want to take a left I have to turn the wheel completely around multiple times before the motor responds.
I had this same problem when I first bought the boat. I filled and purged the system at the beginning of last year and everything was great all last season. Now after sitting in the shed this winter I am having the same problem.
I cannot see any evidence of a leak in the system.
Do I just need to fill and purge again?
Do I have bad seals?
How hard are seals to replace?
Any help is greatly appreciated. I'd really prefer to do this myself and not have to take it in. |
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Posts: 1096
Location: Hayward, WI | You should not be getting air in the system or loosing fluid if everything is sealed properly. Look for leaks at the cylinder on the motor, follow the lines all the way to the helm and check for leaks, and look at the helm for leaks. |
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Posts: 994
Location: Minnesota: where it's tough to be a sportsfan! | The other thing I would do is look in your bilge area for any hydraulic fluid. If the leak is in a place you can't see, like the gunnel. Say when Buba jammed the fish wire through so he could run the transducer cable...etc... |
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Ya, I'd say that the seals are bad and need replaced. You could fill it up and purge and it will work for a while but changing the seals will be the Right way to go.
Jerome |
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Posts: 2378
| OK, so how much is involved in changing the seals? I am not a mechanic by any means...is this something that is fairly straight forward? Any idea what this would cost if done professionally?
I don't see any leaks at the cylinder or at the helm. I have not had a chance to fully inspect the lines between the cylinder and the helm for leaks. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | you blew a seal?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUabDrfjATY |
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Posts: 1096
Location: Hayward, WI | Changing the seals on the cylinder is not too hard, it comes as a kit and has directions. But since you are not seeing any leaks at the cylinder that might not be your problem. I would definatley check the over the lines first. To help find small leaks on the cylinder seals or fittings you can spray them with athletes foot spray, the kind that leaves white powder, and it may help locate the leak. |
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Posts: 3514
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | One way you can potentially check for leaks is to spray the lines with window cleaner. If there is a leak and air has gotten into the system, the window cleaner will bubble where the air is escaping when the motor finally responds to turning the wheel. If there is enough air in the system, there should be bubbles...
Steve
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Posts: 2378
| kjgmh - 5/31/2012 8:22 AM
Changing the seals on the cylinder is not too hard, it comes as a kit and has directions. But since you are not seeing any leaks at the cylinder that might not be your problem. I would definatley check the over the lines first. To help find small leaks on the cylinder seals or fittings you can spray them with athletes foot spray, the kind that leaves white powder, and it may help locate the leak.
Will do. Tracing those lines all the way from the cylinder to the helm sounds like a lot of fun. |
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Baldy,
I had my seals changed,fluid added and purged for around $160.
2 yrs. ago in the Cities. |
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Posts: 2378
| For that much, I just may let someone mess with it. No chance I can screw it up that way
Where did you have it done?
Edited by BALDY 5/31/2012 12:48 PM
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Posts: 2378
| it definitely appears that i have a leak. i checked the helm port where the fluid goes in, and it is very low.
now to find the leak... |
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| now to find the leak...
Step 1) Realize you have a leak.
Step 2) Realize you are not a hydraulic fluid mechanic.
Step 3) Hire someone who is.
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