Sealine F33 power steering

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zingaro

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My mate who has a Sealine F33 fitted with Kad 32s has had problems with his power steering, when he went above 16 knots it would not turn to starboard until he slowed down. It has recently had new belts fitted and they were not slipping. He got a boat mechanic to look at it, and has been told that he needs a new Power Steering Oil cooler unit, as it had water in it, he has been told that they are £400.00+vat. He would like to know how water would have got into the power steering oil cooler in the first place. I dont think my boat is fitted with such a thing, and I have never heard of a power steering oil cooler, can anyone shed any light on this for us.
 
Hi
just for your info, the power steering oil cooler is exactly that description, on the KAD32 it is in the water inlet pipe, look just under the fuel filter and you will see it. It looks about the size of a coke can, the water pipe (about 1.5" diameter) going in and out of it at either end, there are 2 smaller pipes (about 1/2" dia), these go to the power steering itself. This unit would need to be removed and pressure checked to confirm serviceability, if it is leaking that would be where the water is getting in. Needless to say you only have one of these fitted on either engine, usually the starboard one.
Hope this helps.
 
Hi There, I can't specifically talk about your mates system but I have some knowledge of industrial hydraulic systems, albeit from some years back. I don't ever recall large industrial actuators having coolers on the oil system, but I could be wrong. The thing I can't relate to is the fact that the system is only affected when turning in one direction. To me this sayes a prob' with the control side of the system, could be the shuttle valve or the equivalent on this system. My advise would be to get a second opinion and/or get the manufacturers details and ring them. I found Teleflex very useful when I had probs with my non power assisted steering last year. Hope this helps.
 
I'd be nervous of just swapping them over: if it's leaking on the inside, how long before it leaks on the outside? (it's positioned well below the waterline).
 
If it is the size of a coke tin then I assume that you are not able to take it to pieces.I still dont know why it would effect his steering though,I can only assume that it got water into the steering system as I know the mechanic said that he would flush the system out a few times, is it cooled by raw water or it it cooled by the engine sealed system.
 
It was a much bigger heat exchanger in the PBO article, but still may be worth a phone call. If it is the heat ex then you need a Fred Dibna type person. They are out there. Good luck.
 
Sorry being a bit slow tonight. Could be a symtom of the the actuator seals (one not both) passing. How old is it. New seal kit about £40. Not easy to fit unless you know how. You need a tool from RS to take the neck ring(s) off and 'O' ring pliers as well. Oh and a good vice that will hold the cylinder without crushing or marking it. Too much advise I know. Will try to think of a way for you to diagnose prob'. If water getting into oil then it usually turns milky. Hydraulic oil may not absorbe water like engine oil though. Millers oils at Brighouse, West Yorks a good suppier for oil, but it is expensive anyway. Me done I promise.
 
If he has an auto pilot will it steer on the a/p. If so the dual steering position hydrolics will be ok especially if it operates the shuttle bothways. If all ok here look to the cooller circuit. It may be cheaper to replace the o/c with a unit from another make. The o/c is not special to volvo. Also check that the pressure cylinder is pumped up using a bike pump. This will compress any air in the oil. To get the air out you have to diconnect at the resevoir and in turn rotate each steering wheel 40 times in each direction then reconnect an top up the oil and pressure
 
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