Tom cat motor alignment problem

[Pescador2]

Motors on 2007 tomcat won’t remained aligned after 5 years of trouble free operation I assume low fluid and added small amount at helm no change.do I need to bleed at steering rams or do I have another problem also notice when towing this season motors do not remain pointed straight forward and steering seems a bit firm. any help appreciated thanks Joe

[thataway]

How is the fluid level at the helm? How much fluid have you had to replace during the last year?

Bleeding the system is the first step. Check the shaft of the helm pump, and all cylinders for leakage of hydraulic oil. At this age new seals probably are going to be in order.

When towing the boat, the outboards should be locked so that they do not turn. This accomplished by putting clips on each side of the ram. Many different companies make these clips or hard rubber blocks.

[Pescador2]

Fluid level at helm was slightly down fluid added at helm thinking mayb a quarter ounce or so.Have not added any fluid since about 2018 .no signs of leaky seals. even after topping off fluid motors misaligned quickly especially when making tight turns at slow speeds. seem to hold alignment well on long (30 mile) relatively straight runs (only slightly misaligned but noticeable) is it possible I have air trapped near one of the steering rams? Stiff steering normal? Thanks

[journey on]

Journey On has but a single motor. However, when the motor is tilted up and centered, it will gradually tilt to one side or another. To me, this indicates that the hydraulic system has a leak through the drive cylinder or the check valves or somewhere. It's just life.

I solved the problem by using M-Y Wedge centering clips. When installed, the engine stays centered. Just remember to remove the clips before you start motoring.

Boris

[thataway]

When adding fluid. go lock to lock several times. But with the Tom Cat, "liquid Tie Bar" and two cylinders, you have to bleed the system to be sure that all air is out.

As I and Borris have both said--keep the motors centered when trailering. The motor turning pushes against the ram seals.

Has the hydraulic fluid ever been changed ? The boat is now about 15 years old. The hydraulic fluid change out interval is 5 years. Are you using the Mll spec hydraulic fluid? Many of us buy it in gallon containers either on the internet or from fixed base operators at airports.

[gulfcoast john]

Joe,
We had similar issues with our 2010/2011 engines. The tech found a tiny leak in one seal, (I never would have found it) replaced both with an updated red version, bled with the shop machine and all is well.

https://askangler.com/sea-star-hydraulic-steering-problems/

The liquid tie bar alignment procedure using the valve works best if you continue to force full right and left turns (while crew turns the valve 90 degrees between each) until there is no play in either direction (not just one full right and left).

‘Hard’ steering’ is hard to measure. Once on plane, I count responsive easy casual steering with one hand on the wheel as normal. Don’t tolerate anything less.

Add ‘engines get out of liquid tie bar alignment too often’ to the article symptoms of hard or spongy steering or fluid loss means you got a leak (even if you can’t find it) or you got air in the system (even if you can’t get it out) or both.

Get the new seals and a pro fix.

Good luck!

John

[Pacificcoast101]

There is a lever against the inner stern wall on the starboard side. Turn it 90 degrees counter-clockwise so you can manually move the starboard motor. Once aligned, turn the lever back.

[Pacificcoast101]

https://youtu.be/X2Qi1ETRp8s

https://youtu.be/0_EqQmSrHeQ

[Pescador2]

Thanks to all for your info and ideas…working on it tomorrow so we’ll see. Joe