My new boat drinks power steering fluid

[InPursuit]

Ok, I buy a new 26' Striper with a Volvo Penta 5.7 I/O in Dec. 05. On the first trip out by myself, I find the power steering fluid level low. I fill it thinking that they just missed it at the dealer. I check it again after the next trip and it is low again. I take the boat back to the dealership and explain the problem. They check everything and can't find any leaks. I had already done that and couldn't find any leaks either.

Fast forward several trips and lower unit gets vandalized so back to the dealer for repairs. Tell them that I still have the problem with the power steering fluid but they can't find anything wrong.

I can get about two trips out to the chicken ranch before I have to add more fluid. I have checked and rechecked everything including all hoses, fittings etc and can't find any leaks. No evidence of leakage in the bilge. Where could this thing be leaking??

G-Dubb

[Reel Fun Fish'n]

no matter what anyone says if the reservoir is low that often then you have a leak. as you indicated.

could the power trim be using the same reservoir as the pwr/steering ? if so check your pwr trim or ram for signs of leakage.

if you remove the reservoir cap do you see and air bubbles in the oil as the wheel is turned back and forth.

I would think the seepage or leak is at the hose fittings either at the back of the reservoir or at power steering pump. It could even be a bad seat at the pump where the hoses attached at the pump.

They make a dye that shows up under black light. this dye can be purchased at any auto parts supplier.

good luck

[InPursuit]

Thanks for the input Reel Fun Fish'n

It does not use the same reservoir as the power trim and I have checked and double checked all of the fittings/hoses at the pump. The thing that is the most troubling is that with as much fluid as it is using you would think that the leak would be obvious, but it is not.

I think it is about time to email the company and see if they have heard of this problem before.

G-Dubb

[fishkisser]

Thats wierd .. if there was air in the system it would have a spongy feel ... the only way it could keep going down would be a leak or trapped air in the system working its way out...Good luck Barney

[Boat Doc']

Originally Posted by InPursuit

Ok, I buy a new 26' Striper with a Volvo Penta 5.7 I/O in Dec. 05. On the first trip out by myself, I find the power steering fluid level low. I fill it thinking that they just missed it at the dealer. I check it again after the next trip and it is low again. I take the boat back to the dealership and explain the problem. They check everything and can't find any leaks. I had already done that and couldn't find any leaks either.

Fast forward several trips and lower unit gets vandalized so back to the dealer for repairs. Tell them that I still have the problem with the power steering fluid but they can't find anything wrong.

I can get about two trips out to the chicken ranch before I have to add more fluid. I have checked and rechecked everything including all hoses, fittings etc and can't find any leaks. No evidence of leakage in the bilge. Where could this thing be leaking??

G-Dubb

Oil cooler could be leaking.

[timinthegorge]

I think if it was me, I'd believe the Boat Doc....

[InPursuit]

Thanks Doc, it's going back to the dealer in the morning.

G-Dubb