Got a strange problem w/ my steering. If the boat sits for more than 3 or 4 days, when I hop in and attempt to steer to starboard the motor will not turn, I have to turn to port a little then when I turn back to starboard it almost feels like something breaks loose and it starts steering fine. All the zert fitting have been greased regularly so I don’t think it is a corosion issue. Sometimes the steering pulses a little also, the motor jerks ever so slightly as I steer. Cannot find any leaks and the cylinder rams are nice and clean. Thought about bleeding the system, but seems like if there was air in the lines it would not steer at all, plus it would do it in both directions. Any ideas other than just using the boat every day so I never have the problem. Don’t think my boss would like that solution.
Right below your steering wheel is a black plug to fill with fluid sounds like a little low.If not could be the pivot tube on the motor binding up.
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27 Contender/Yamaha OX66 250’s
I have been having the same problem… I started to notice when I pick my boat up from storage I trim the motors up and go down the road… when I get to the gas station or my house the motors are turned all the way over…after a couple times of this I just got in the boat before I took it from storage and turned the wheel a few times and turned the motors… dont have the problem… I plan on adding some fluid…
26 cape horn 200 yamahas
Solo the first time I ever had the problem it was under the same circumstance you are describing. I had the motor up to travel and when I got to the landing it had fallen over to the side. Trimmed it down and had to play with the wheel to get it to turn. Now it happens even if the motor is left down in the yard. Fluid level seems fine, that was the first thing I checked. Any one else have any other ideas? Don’t see how the motor could be binding on the mount, cause it all seems very well greased and I have only had the motor 2-seasons, so it is not like it is caked with rust or corosion.
Anyone?
Have you tried bleeding it?
It seems to me when my boat is in storage the fluid drains out of the cylinders and takes me turning the motors side to side with the wheel and then the motors will not move while the boat is being transported…
26 cape horn 200 yamahas
Ithaca I guess I will try bleeding it; cause I don’t have any other ideas.
it sounds like one of valve balls inside the helm is sticking
try bleeding and adding fluid, but it probably is going to need a new helm if something is sticking
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