power steering hard at idle
 

Anybody ever have a problem with the helm hard to turn at idle ? As soon as rpm brought up steering is no problem. Thinking about changing pulley on pump. Any thoughts?
thanks in advance.

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

if there was no problem prior or this is not a fresh rig or install, i would check the high pressure filter.

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

What kind of system??? Full hyd, add on, or cable???

Add on dual ram is often hard to turn at idle.

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

I am not too sure about changing the pump on the pulley. If you double the speed of the pump at idle, you are going to double it at speed as well. That equals a lot of heat and would probably result in premature failure of the pump. If anything, I would open up the orifice on the discharge side of the pump first (as recommended by steering mfgs for dual ram, single engine setups)or as said before, find the source of the problem if there has been a change in behavior. Imco's website has the required orifice diameter and it's quick and easy to do.

Rene

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

Check the fluid level, consider flushing the system, consider raising idle just a tad.

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

Thanks to all. I will take them all into consideration!!

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

The stock Merc PS will do that if it needs bleeding ....Turn it lock to lock several times ....

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

CK voltage, my boat had a dead battery on one engin and was hard to steer until the voltage came up.

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

How is voltage tied into rpm?

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

I don't understand that either.

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

If the voltage is low then the RPMS on the motors will be even lower at idle then normal as the alternators are putting more load on the engine. Just a guess from your Audio Buddy :D:D

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

If you're running an automotive pump you need to open up the output orifice.

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

Check out this article on it....

Saginaw Style Powersteering Pump
Volume and Pressure
UPGRADES





Doug

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

Great article and that's exactly what I was talking about. Thanks Doug!

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

ORRRRR, the voltage is low because the rpms are low. :drink:

Re: power steering hard at idle
 

You guys are good. Thanks, this website is a valuable tool!