98 272 steering issues/trim/tilt issues

[steveg]

Started boat up for the first time this year and had steering issues and of course the starboard motor's trim tilt did not work. Maybe someone has run into this, steering, completely bled it last year, new fluid. This year, steers great to the left and takes about two full turns to go to the right, fun steering. Other thing, trim/tilt, engine went down, only trimmed up about 2" for the winter, but the SS lift bar would only go up 1" and just whine. Any help will be appreciated. I am afraid the boat will have to be pulled in Ocean City, MD so does anyone have any suggestions?

Steve

 

[g0tagrip]

I had a similar problem with my Sailfish back in 2006. Had to have the steering system bleed several times to get the air out. The tilt trim problem ended up costing me 2200 dollars to replace the trim motor. Before you panic at the thought of having to replace it, did you check the hydraulic fluid level? If so, and it is good then rats......

 

[Tucker]

Yea, that first start up is a leap of faith. I start mine on the trailer next to my house. Always a guess as to what's wrong this year. I had the air in the steering thing last year. Wipe your finger under the the steering ram. Bet you come up with an oily finger. Need to replace the ram end caps. I got mine from Amazon.com, about $90. The Teleflex oil is a bit expensive so I bought a gal of aviation hydraulic oil for $35. It's also red so you can see any leaks.

 

[steveg]

Thanks to all for looking and thanks for the replies. I will have to have the boat pulled out of the water for the trim/tilt unit. I will try to bleed the steering this next weekend. I wish I had it on a trailer but it stays on the lift 12 months out of the year. This boat sat with minimal usage for about 12 years (before I bought it) so I have been expecting these little problems. I really do not think the motors have over 250 hours on them and that is sometimes a good thing (rings pistons) and other times a bad thing, (trim/tilt, steering etc). Steve

 

[ahill]

Trim tilt may be the relay.
$115-140 depending on where you buy it.

 

[grady23]

I had one of the two relays go bad on my starboard 150. It would go up but not down. It would not work at all from the helm sw. Replaced the "DOWN" relay and all is fine. This sounds like low fluid since you can hear the motor continue to whine, but the ram doesn't move. I would start there.