More hydro steering concerns

[TRCM]

(also posted in gen boat & nitro)

I have always thought the hydraulic steering on my boat was 'loose', and now I am really concerned.

This is seastar system on a 5 month old boat w/ a 150 wfi merc.

Everything is tight, no loose bolts or leaks, but when on plane, sometimes the motor seems to steer the boat. In other words, it's like the motor moves without any steering input, and just the opposite also happens, in that sometimes you can move the steering wheel and it does not give an immediate response @ the motor.

I have been told by many that hydraulic steering always has some play in it, and I have had the system filled and vented 3 times. Twice by the dealer, and once by a seperate marine shop (a board sponsor).

I noticed yesterday, that in the morning, the motor was straight (as in driving straight), and was tilted up about 1/2 way. Later on in the day, I happened to look, and the motor is all the way to one side. No one has been near the boat to have possibly turned the steering wheel, and the cover was on.

Now, if just the weight of the motor when tilted is enough to let it move, I'd think the torque from the motor running would make it worse, and this may explain why sometimes the motor seems to have a mind of it's own as to which way the boat is moving.

Ok, experts...is this normal, or do I have an issue I need to get fixed ??

Right now, I am ready to make the dealer replace the system under warranty, as I really do not feel it is safe to be driving at the speeds this boat is capable of if the motor weight alone will cause it to feedback enough to turn the motor half all the way to one side.

[BUZZMEUP]

Teleflex Tec Support 604-348-3858, check valve or connection leaking, air in system
or both. The only way motor should move is with the wheel. Check your fluid to see if it low.

I switched from mechanical to hydraulic back in Dec. and the things you describe I had.

Found leak in fitting, purged a number of times and has been great.

Hope this helps.

[Deletenow]

I had the same issues with my motor and the hydraulic steering unit was shot. It also laid over numerous times when pulling it out of the water etc.

To test it yourself try to push the motor one way or the other. If you can move it by hand one way and then you cant push it back then it is shot. They could push my motor over to the left but couldnt move it back to the right. They replaced the unit and it has worked fine ever since.

[TRCM]

Well, I emailed teleflex and they said the helm is most likely bad, and that over time, the motor will lay over, but it should take several days, not hours.


(their # is 604-248-3858 BTW)

[Jumping Jimmy]

Have you tried to purge the system and ensure there is no air in the system. My boat came with a kit to bleed/purge the system. Instructions are in the manual that came with your system. Get someone to help you and follow the instructions. If you do not have the purge kit get one from a local dealer or order it from teleflex. I would not operate that boat until you get that corrected...
Just my opinion..

[TRCM]

It's been professionally bled/purged 3 times now.

[TRCM]

Just an update, Seastar just sent me an email saying they are gonna send me a new helm pump to try and fix the problem.

I explained to them that I did some testing the other day, and running 45-50 mph, trimmed 1/2 way up, about every minute or so, you feel the boat kick one way or the other. I never just 'let it go' as I was afraid it might turn into a hard turn if I didn't correct.

They asked if I could do this again, and mark the cylinder, then run about 4 minutes (which is over 3 miles) and NOT correct the steering. Then stop and see how far off the mark was. I told them there I no where within 2 hrs drive that I could safely run straight for that distance, so they said they would like to send me a new helm pump.


Between them and Humminbird, my faith in customer service after the sale is being restored.

Now, we'll see what tracker says about replacing it under warranty and not charging me labor (yeah right).