KAD32 (DPS) power steering not functioning

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Friend bought a new (to them) boat today - Regal 2250 with a KAD32.

Everything ticked the boxes with the only issue being that the power steering pump didn't seem to be working. Friend is an auto mechanic so this didn't put him off and bought subject to adjusted price.

Before we rip things apart...
There was *some* issue with the steering pump leaking (or the hoses) in the past (we we met the owner some time ago) but that's all we know.

The steering is the same with engine running / not running.
The pulley is spinning fine.
We plan to disconnect the steering cable at the steering cylinder tomorrow to check if it's the cable.

When re-assembling the steering pump, would it be possible in any way to do so wrongly? ( ie. wrong hoses in wrong places) - I don't think this is possible as if the pump is as usual auto pumps, there's 1 high pressure hose and 1 low pressure hose with different fittings.

I wonder would the wrong oil cause this issue? (I know it can on cars) - Can anyone confirm it's bog standard ATF that goes in there?

Anything else obvious to check?


As mentioned, this is a thing that my friend should be able to solve but any additional tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

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So we found a kink in the low pressure pipe going into the pump.

Now when we start engine the steering turns by itself to the port, but it will not turn to starboard.

We are thinking something up with the steering cylinder?

Anyone?

 

[Sandyman]

By ''steering cylinder'' I assume you mean the helm pump? If so then somewhere, usually on the back of the pump, you will find a Lock Valve. Basically this is just two ball bearings either end of a spring. Sounds like something like this causing your problems with one of the balls sticking. Can you give more info on type of pump & steering system ?

 

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It's the usual setup with KAD engine with outdrive...pump run by a belt and what's called steering cylinder (well it is on marinepartseurope) at the transom which is connected to the outdrive.

Only difference is that the outdrive is a DPS rather than DPE but I assume the system is the same.

 

[alt]

By ''steering cylinder'' I assume you mean the helm pump? If so then somewhere, usually on the back of the pump, you will find a Lock Valve. Basically this is just two ball bearings either end of a spring. Sounds like something like this causing your problems with one of the balls sticking. Can you give more info on type of pump & steering system ?

Just to be clear this is teleflex steering cable going back to the steering cylinder at the transom. The power steering pump on the engine then assists the steering cylinder

 

[About Time]

I have the same set up.
Yes it is regular ATF fluid that goes into the power steering pump container. To test the pump..... disconnect the hose going into the steering cylinder (pushing the drives) from the power steering pump. If fluid runs when you start the engine your pump works. I am quite sure that it is the steering cylinder that is broken as it turns to port when the engine is on (meaning you have pressure). Sadly to my knowledge you cannot get any spares for the steering cylinder itself.

 

[About Time]

If the fluid is very old (dark) I would do a change and see if that could 'free' up the steering cylinder. There is a chance.

 

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Looks like an engine out job which we'll tackle this eve

 

[spannerman]

Check when you rock the steering from side to side that the part that the cable connects to on the servo cylinder moves in opposition. It is a shuttle valve that reacts to when the cable pushes or pulls and diverts the hydraulic pressure to the correct side of the servo cylinder. It moves about 15 mm so should be obvious, it could be that it is stuck in one postion so pumping oil to one side all the time, it should float back to a central postion.

 

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Check when you rock the steering from side to side that the part that the cable connects to on the servo cylinder moves in opposition. It is a shuttle valve that reacts to when the cable pushes or pulls and diverts the hydraulic pressure to the correct side of the servo cylinder. It moves about 15 mm so should be obvious, it could be that it is stuck in one postion so pumping oil to one side all the time, it should float back to a central postion.

A pint via PayPal for you if you PM me your e-mail.

You were 100% correct. We checked this on friends boat and no movement. We then went to my boat for reference and spotted the movement.

It was easy to free... I jigged the steering wheel and friend tackled with a vice grips. There *was* white grease on it but it had dried up. Once it freed up it ran smoothly (WD40 to free it up). White grease going on it tomorrow.

I huge thank you from both of us, esp. me as I was the designated monkey for the night who'd have been taking orders. You saved us hours of labour as we were going to remove the engine to remove the steering cylinder.

 

[spannerman]

Glad you got it working, I am always happy to pass on tricks and tips from my experience in the marine branch. Just an extra tip its usually possible to remove the servo cylinder on Volvos and Mercruisers without taking out the engine if there is access down the side of the engine.

 

[Hadenough]

What a result! Well done Spannerman. Makes up for the usual willy waving. :encouragement:

 

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What a result! Well done Spannerman. Makes up for the usual willy waving. :encouragement:

In fairness I have found almost all of the members of this forum (well, the Mobo section anyway) to be nothing but helpful and friendly.... and i've been a member for a few years. It brings back faith in humanity when people (and the professionals) who post on this forum are willing to share their knowledge.

Thanks again spannerman (and all others who have assisted in the past)

 

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Glad you got it working, I am always happy to pass on tricks and tips from my experience in the marine branch. Just an extra tip its usually possible to remove the servo cylinder on Volvos and Mercruisers without taking out the engine if there is access down the side of the engine.

I'm also glad. Wasn't my boat but I would have been dealing with the grief! We are a small community over here in Ireland and we help each other out as much as possible and wouldn't give up until a solution was found. This resulted in 3 days assisting my friend (purchase / problem solving / cleaning). The end result was this evening my friend left the boat club grinning ear to ear after finally launching and going for a 20 mile run problem free. He now has a pretty much bulletproof setup (KAD32), especially in comparison to what he used to run (various petrol engines). Infact, we laughed earlier when he commented that it took a while to settle into the boat cause he's used to spending his time looking at the gauges instead of the scenery.

 

[rafiki_]

Great result, and a very good outcome.