Hydraulic Steering Seized...won't budge!

CatyMae n Steve

Well, we got word from the dealer yesterday that the new CatyMae's in final prep area at the factory now (should be delivered to the dealer next week), and would I bring the "other" CatyMae in to them to get ready to switch over all the stuff next week....we always put the engines down when storing it under the cover, and tilt it to one side so we can get it in as far as possible. We hooked her up to pull her around to put all the cushions and stuff back in, and the 90 won't budge. We had a seal blown out on the hydraulic steering a couple months after we got the boat...now it's all rusty where the fitting sits on the bar -- Steve's thinking the bar is pitted or something and water's in there and it's all rusted again...but this time, it's stuck good n tight. That shouldn't happen after sitting for just under 3 months, should it? I'm going to have to haul it to the dealer's with the motors down unless someone can tell me a magic way to get it turned so I can tilt it up and not run over the kicker. Gosh, if we'd known it was going to seize up, we'd have turned it the other way! Rolling Eyes

On edit...would someone kindly remove Murphy and his laws from our boating life?

starcrafttom · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 1:39 pm Post subject:

The only thing I can think off is to spray a lot of w-d 40 in there and see if that brakes it loose. what a bummer. you may want to try and move the engine by hand and not witht he wheel, but I am just quessing not being there.

TyBoo · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 1:43 pm Post subject:

BayStar steering? Pretty good chance it is the bar that slides thru the tilt tube that is stuck. Just like happens with cable steering. If so, you might be able to pop it loose by having Steve jostle the motor back and forth while you do the same with the steering wheel. That's how I unstick the mechanical steering. You can unhook the drag link (I think) and find out if it's the steering system or the sliding bar. If it is the hydraulic system, you should be able to turn the motor by hand with the drag link unhooked and put it where you want it. Or, tow with it down. Just be careful of the turn and drop going into Sportcraft.

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 3:08 pm Post subject:

No luck WD'n and pushin and pullin....but we got it up far enough so I don't think it'll hit when I pull it down into Sportcraft...thanks Mike...that coulda been a disaster fersher. I don't know what needs to be done, but that appears to be a problem that really needs a long term remedy, not one that'll only last a month...thought that stuff was stainless! The fitting's rusted right onto the shaft, so my guess is that it ain't!

rogerbum · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 3:35 pm Post subject:

The problem with steering seizing up has been discussed a lot before does have a long term solution - frequent use and lubrication. While other "technical" fixes are certainly possible, IMHO this one falls into the regular and expected maintenance category. That is, I and others have just gotten used to dealing with this one as maintenance problem that's part of the necessary crap that's required to keep the boat useable. If you find a better solution though, I (and I'm sure many others) would LOVE to hear it.

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 3:43 pm Post subject:

I have never lubed my hydraulic steering - what do I lube and where? Can't I assume this is something that C-Dory does when I bring it in every 100 hours? Would that be frequent enough?

TyBoo · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 3:50 pm Post subject:

rogerbum · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 3:52 pm Post subject:

Pat,

You're tell me there's no grease zerks back there on the steering rods connected to the motor? Those should be hit with a grease gun every now and then. The factory probably does hit those on the 100 hour service but I don't know for sure. With the frequency that YOU use your boat, every 100 hours of engine clock time is probably often enough. For others, maybe not.

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 4:16 pm Post subject:

DaveS · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 8:06 pm Post subject:

Steve and Caty,
I had the same problem with my 16' and the teleflex steering but have not experienced the problem with the 22' hydraulic steering. With the 16' I worked the steering wheel and then had some one else reef on the engine to free it......after that it was WD 40 and once a week I'd go out and turn the steering wheel and then never had problems. (I'd always greased the zerks frequently even before the problem presented itself).
On the 22' I also grease the zerks each time after the boat is used. Out of habit from having the problem with the 16', I go out to the shop at least once a week and sit in the helm seat and make motor noises and turn the wheel. Wink

dogon dory · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 8:21 pm Post subject:

Sorry, Folks - Post Deleted By Author

CAVU · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 11:17 am Post subject:

The problem with the frozen steering, especially on Hondas, is caused by corrosion in the tilt-tube. This tube is made from carbon steel and is not stainless. I have owned three different Hondas and all had the same problem. At every boat show I ask the Honda reps why they don't spend $10 more and put a SS tilt tube in their motors? Never get any answer that makes sense to me. The zerks near the tilt tube do not put grease in the tilt tube. The only way to lube this area is to disconnect the steering, pull the ram out, clean the tube, relube and reassemble. A real PITA on most boats.

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 11:35 am Post subject:

Mr. Fisherman · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 12:12 pm Post subject:

I think this is the one you mean...

I am not gonna talk about not havin issues with my hydrolic system, no sir.

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 12:47 pm Post subject:

Thanks Ray...I guess I just don't get how to post a pic in a thread...un-nerdy of me ain't it? Laughing