I have a 1991 Mercruiser 3.0L V6 with Power Steering that has been giving me trouble lately. When I turn the wheel to the left, the power steering moves in the opposite direction! I’ve checked all of my fluid levels, replaced the power steering pump, and even took it to a mechanic. They couldn’t find anything wrong with it and said that it must be caused by something in my wiring.
Background Information
As most boat owners know, Mercruiser power steering is famous for its strong and accurate movement in one direction but often moves in the opposite direction when turned the other way. This strange characteristic of Mercruiser power steering can be difficult to understand, but it is actually due to a design flaw in the system.
In order for a Mercruiser power steering system to move accurately, each of the three hydraulic pumps must operate simultaneously in the same direction. However, because of a manufacturing flaw, one or more of the pumps can sporadically stop working. When this happens, the power steering system tries to continue moving in the opposite direction by using extra power from the other two pumps. However, because these two pumps are also trying to move in opposite directions, the result is disastrous – the boat will suddenly veer off course and could even capsize.
Fortunately, there is a workaround for this problem. All you need to do is disconnect one of the auxiliary power cables from one of the three hydraulic pumps and then re-connect it to another pump. This will temporarily fix the problem and allow the power steering system to move correctly.
Symptoms of a Bad Power Steering System
Mercruiser boats are known for their powerful engines and smooth ride. However, if your Mercruiser power steering system is not working properly, you may start to notice some unusual behavior. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common symptoms of a bad power steering system, and what you can do to fix it.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is likely that your power steering system is not working properly: your boat moves in opposite directions when you steer, your boat feels sluggish or unstable when you steer, or your boat has a hard time turning. If you have any questions about whether your power steering system is failing, contact an expert like Marine Mechanics Incorporated (MMI). MMI can diagnose and repair your power steering system quickly and easily.
Testing the Power Steering System
The Mercruiser power steering system has been a long-time favorite of cruisers and other boatowners because it is both easy to operate and efficient. However, like any mechanical system, it can malfunction from time to time. In this article, I will describe three different ways that the power steering system can fail and how to test for each one.
1) The power steering system may not provide the desired amount of force when you turn the wheel. To test for this problem, you will need some sort of resistance (like a weight) attached to the wheel and measure the amount of force required to move it. If the resistance is too low, then the power steering system may not be providing enough force to turn the wheel.
2) The power steering system may become noisy or develop a strange vibration when you turn the wheel. This could be due to a worn out belt or pump, a clogged filter, or a faulty rack and pinion gear. To test for this problem, you will need to remove the cover over the gearbox and spin the gearbox by hand. If the gearbox is making noise or vibrating abnormally, then there is likely a problem with the gear
Repairs for a Bad Power Steering System
If you have a Mercruiser engine, chances are that your power steering system is not working right. Here are some tips on how to diagnose and fix a power steering issue.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you should now have a better understanding as to why my Mercruiser power steering move in opposite directions. If the rack and pinion is not moving correctly, it can cause the power steering to move in opposite directions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to correct the issue and get your Mercruiser back up and running in no time. Thanks for reading!