steering trouble

This topic has 9 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 10 months ago by basscattcrazy.

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July 29, 2015 at 6:09 pm #286353

weeman
Participant

Put my Pantera III in the TN River Sunday. Didnt notice any problems at idle. When I came up on plane my hydraulic steering felt like it was turning my motor in notches. If that makes sense. It was like my steering wheel had gears and some of the teeth were gone. I turned around and idled back to my trailer and loaded it up. I noticed when I got it on the trailer that you had to turn the wheel a complete revolution or more each way before the motor started to move. So when I got home I took the fill cap off so I could check the fluid. It seemed to be fine. I turned the wheel with the cap off and almost immediately the motor started to move and the more I turned it the better it got. Anybody have any ideas? Im about half scared to put it in the water without somebody that knows what they are looking at looks at it. I didnt see any fluid leaks and no greasy spots around the cylinder seals. Anyone ever had this problem before? Any ideas? If it makes any difference the motor is a 3.0L 200HP Mercury.

July 29, 2015 at 6:33 pm #286354

1stinLA
Participant

What was the fluid level like both before and after removing the cap and turning the wheel? Did you look up under the console to see if any of the hose connections are wet with oil? It sounds to me like air in the system, which means you probably have a leak somewhere. I would definitely have a qualified person check it out.

July 29, 2015 at 6:55 pm #286355

weeman
Participant

I didnt see any leaks or residue under the console or around the cylinder itself. I definitely want a qualified person to look at it. Does anyone know where there is one. I live in NE Arkansas about an hour or so north of Memphis. I sure dont want just anyone to mess with it.

July 29, 2015 at 7:29 pm #286356

basscattcrazy
Participant

Im betting you have air in the system. Ive had a similar problem. Ive found when on the lake I could turn (at idle) the boat full over to the right and left a few times and have a temporary fix. I wouldnt play with this. Have your system bleed. You can do it yourself if you have someone to help. Nothing quite like go 65 to 70 and realizing your boat wont turn!!!!!Been there done that,BCC

July 29, 2015 at 8:09 pm #286357

Redngoo
Participant

Ive often wondered. This fluid is basically clear. Leaks are hard to detect. Where I work. We add a dye to hydraulic fluid for leak detection. Now I know this is not ordinary hydraulic oil. Im assuming its aeronautical fluid. Guess my question is do they make a dye that is compatabile with this fluid. In reality there is only a couple places this fluid can be lost. I would think if there is air thete is a leak2013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury

July 29, 2015 at 9:20 pm #286358

grybrd
Participant

Bleeding the system is an easy two person job. Buy two quarts of the correct fluid and a fill tube from SeaStar. The fill tube screws into the console fitting. Then, while one person turns the steering wheel and holds the oil container, the other opens and closes the bleed screws on the cylinder. Use a clear rubber hose attached to the bleed screw and direct the spent fluid into a container, to be properly disposed of later. The clear tube can come from most home centers (HD or Lowes). You will likely flush some crud out in the process. When the fluid is clear, without crud, and without bubbles, close the bleed screw. Be aware that once you screw the fill tube onto the oil container and invert it, you have to pierce the bottom of the container for the fluid to flow. Therefore the container is not able to be turned right side up until it is empty.

July 29, 2015 at 11:55 pm #286359

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Just about any reputable boat dealer in your area should be able to service your steering.

July 30, 2015 at 3:23 am #286360

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Have a very competent and reputable marine dealership check it out and see if you need a rebuild.

July 31, 2015 at 12:02 pm #286361

weeman
Participant

Thanks everyone for yalls inputs. I did notice when I checked my fluid level that what ever type fluid is in the system it is red in color not clear. I have not added any fluid to my system in the 8 years I have owned the boat. I have checked it regularly and always kept a look out for any leaks or buildup around the cylinder and under the helm so Im thinking its not a wrong fluid type issue. If air in the system is the problem then like others have said I must have a leak somewhere. I think I will do as some of yall and BCB has suggested and have my system looked at by a reputable boat dealer. If any of yall are ever on the TN river south Of Paris Landing where the Beech River runs into it, look me up. Thanks again!!

August 3, 2015 at 2:23 pm #286362

basscattcrazy
Participant

The fluid that came out of my 98 Jag was also red. I blamed it on being old. I have noticed a small leak where the lines hook into the cylinder. Two threaded connections that pivot when the motor is raised or lowered. I think thats were my air came from. Doesnt leak very much but is damp after a few cycles up and down.BCC
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