Steering issue


8

89Formula223

New member
I recently bought a 1989 Formula 223 - the last time I attempted to take her out it would not steer. I could not move the steering wheel at all -

Anyone have any insight as to what it may be - where can I start with troubleshooting etc?

Thank you -
 
Howdy

We need some more info about what is happening. Let us know what engine or engines is in the boat.

Have you checked the power steering reservoir?
Does the fluid look pink and not foaming?
If the steering cannot be moved no matter if the motor is ON or OFF then something is frozen, rusted up maybe.
 
So, I assume that you just when straight :rolleyes:

Yes, more specifics would be good, but you would want to look in the engine compartment at the transom to see if anything is jamming the steering linkage. Check to see if the power steering belt is there and sufficiently tight. Got power steering fluid?

If things pan out in the engine bay, then look up under the dash panel to see if there is anything amiss with the steering mechanism at the helm.
 
The 223 has the 454 with the Bravo 4 drive - the power steering reservoir is full, I don't see anything binding the linkage or anything obvious. It is very odd - I took it out several weekends in a row - no issues with steering - put it in the water and no steering - I am wondering if the linkage may be "frozen" inside the actuator tube.
 
I would suggest starting with the easy stuff. Remove the cable coupler nut holding the steering cable on the ram. Need to keep a wrench on the other end to keep the shaft from turning. This way you find out if its the helm and cable or the ram and drive.

If helm and cable move easy, pull the pin which connects the steering arm to the power steering ram. Then try moving the drive from the outside.

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start with the steering box under the dash. it should be a rotary box. pull the end of the steering cable out and clean it. I fit a length of garden hose around the cable with hose claps and let the end sit in an oil/trans fluid mixture for a few hours. I even added air pressure so the mixture would penetrate a little better. After its clean, grease it with some 2-4-c and reinstall. see if that works.
 
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