Notices
General Boating Discussion

Steering Issue

Thread Tools
 
Old 12-29-2017 | 02:06 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Thonotosassa, FL
Default Steering Issue

One of the things that showed up on our first shakedown cruise concerns the single ram Imco steering assembly mounted to the outdrive. While going in a straight heading we noticed that the steering wheel position was changing and we had to correct it by turning the wheel to keep the boat going in a straight heading. After about 5 miles the wheel position went from a 12 o'clock position to a 6 o'clock position. Very strange to say the least.
Sorceress is offline  
Reply
Old 12-29-2017 | 02:08 PM
  #2  
F-2 Speedy's Avatar
Platinum Member
Community Builder
10 Year Member
Platinum Member
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 11,418
Likes: 3,938
From: Midwest & T-Rock
Default

sounds like fluid pressure is bleeding out of the steering ram, or possible air in the system
F-2 Speedy is offline  
Reply
Old 12-29-2017 | 02:31 PM
  #3  
Too Stroked's Avatar
Gold Member
15 Year Member
Gold Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 212
From: Rochester, NY
Default

You will find that - particularly with a single ram system - there is no repeatable center position for the steering wheel. Every time you move the wheel, you open and close valves to allow the fluid to move. And every time those valves open and close, they let a different amount of fluid through. This leads to the "center position" changing. I have the same issue with the Latham Single Ram system on my outboard and I've just gotten used to it. Now if you didn't move the wheel at all while going straight, and the heading of the boat changed, you have a leak somewhere.
Too Stroked is offline  
Reply
Old 12-30-2017 | 12:10 PM
  #4  
Dave M's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Gold Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,664
Likes: 140
From: Hollywood, MD, USA
Default

Is this a full, or add-on system?
Dave M is offline  
Reply
Old 01-26-2018 | 09:30 AM
  #5  
Thread Starter
Registered
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Thonotosassa, FL
Default

Originally Posted by Dave M
Is this a full, or add-on system?
The steering wheel and external single ram are IMCO. I am not sure about the hydraulic pump. There are hydraulic lines going to the front for the wheel if that helps.
Sorceress is offline  
Reply
Old 01-26-2018 | 01:02 PM
  #6  
Griff's Avatar
Charter Member # 55
25 Year Member
Charter Member
Super Moderators
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 20,232
Likes: 2,482
From: Omaha/LOTO
Default

If hyd lines go to the helm then its full hydraulic
Griff is offline  
Reply
Old 01-26-2018 | 01:19 PM
  #7  
Registered
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 129
Likes: 31
Default

I noticed this with my o/b hydraulic steering. Straight was never in the same spot of the steering wheel
marks86 is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.