Volvo dph power steering trouble ( not the usual steering ram problem)

[julians]

At least i dont think its the usual steering ram problem.

So today, motoring along at 25 knots, everything working at usual, slow down to 5 knots to enter an anchorage and the steering feels very very heavy as if the power steering was not working,the drive was turning, it just took a lot of effort at the wheel to turn it.

Hung around at anchor for a few hours and later headed off, initally the steering was still very heavy,but aftet a few turns it came back to normal, steering nice and light again.

Any ideas what could cause this? There were no squealing belt noises etc,everything seemed find,exceoy the steering was really heavy.

 

[Portofino]

Not enough or low ( for what ever reason ) power steering fluid .

 

[julians]

The the fluid level looks fine ,the reservoir is full.

Normally when the fluid is low (because of leaking rams) the steering feels notchy, and you can turn the wheel continually,ie it doesnt stop at the locks

Today it was just heavy.

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

At the risk of stating the obvious, could it be the pump? Is the belt tight enough?

 

[julians]

I did wonder about the pump, because it felt like the engine wasnt running,but the belt is tight, and the pump is turning when the engine is running.

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

I did wonder about the pump, because it felt like the engine wasnt running,but the belt is tight, and the pump is turning when the engine is running.

The pump can fail without obvious mechanical symptoms, I had this on my D6 installation. Unfortunately, a bobby bargain they are not.

 

[aquatom]

Is normally a stuck relief valve in the pump.

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Is normally a stuck relief valve in the pump.

That's interesting - I thought the pump wasn't a repairable item, it could only be replaced (that was the impression the then VP dealer at Brighton marina gave me).

 

[julians]

Is normally a stuck relief valve in the pump.

Thanks for that ,can you elaborate a bit more?

Will it just free up with use? Or is it indicative of s larger problem?

Or now its freed up ,should it be fine until i next leave the boat for a few weeks?

The boat had been sat for 8 weeks before i used it today.

Cheers

 

[aquatom]

The valve is located inside the pump where the outlet hose connects. They normally stick when there has been water in the system. Sometimes you can free them off but they usually stick again. It’s best to fit a new pump and clean out the system.

 

[julians]

Thanks,will keep an eye on it, it was working fine yesterday afternoon, so will see how it goes.

This drive has been through at least 4 sets of rams since new in 2006,so i guess no massive surprise that the power steering system has had some water in it.

I note a new pump from volvo is about 800 euros, i dont suppose these pumps are a standard part off a car engine and thus can be had cheaper elsewhere?

Edited to add : i see coastal rides have some new old stock pumps for £250+ vat

Edited again: but those coastal rides pumps are for the later d4's mine is an earlier engine,from the part numbers of the pump it looks like its the same part as the pump on the kad44

 

[PCUK]

I've got a very low hours Volvo power steering pump and ram. Don't know which engine it fits though. If you can give me some part numbers and location of numbers I'll check if it's the right one.

 

[julians]

I've got a very low hours Volvo power steering pump and ram. Don't know which engine it fits though. If you can give me some part numbers and location of numbers I'll check if it's the right one.

Thanks, according to marine parts europe, i think the part i need is number 22297931, not sure where that number is stamped on the pump though.

 

[PCUK]

OK, I'll check it on Monday and get back to you.

 

[PCUK]

PM sent.