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Power Steering/Tilt Hydraulic Leak

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BroJames

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2014 Stingray with 5.7L 350 MAG- have been trying to find a hydraulic leak all summer, can’t see one on the pump or hoses, or the 2 reservoirs. Is there a hose that actually runs and connects to the Steering Wheel? Could the leak be coming from the front of the boat and running to the back to the bilge area? Thanks.
 
Will have to research that. Only a beginner mechanic. Got to thinking. The power steering reservoir is staying full, so the leak is probably in the tilt system, unless the 2 are connected? I have had to top up the tilt reservoir a bit. Tilt works. Small leak, difficult to find. Any help would be appreciated
 
power steering is power steering , trim and tilt is trim and tilt.
If the PS res is staying full you do not have a power steering fluid leak,
Trim/Tilt a separate unit , hoses run from pump to transom
 
If the cylinders are leaking, the oil goes into the water, right? Run the motor, boat tied to a dock, and run the outdrive up and down a few dozen times while keeping a close look at the water for an oil sheen.

Jeff
 
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BroJames said:
2014 Stingray with 5.7L 350 MAG- have been trying to find a hydraulic leak all summer, can’t see one on the pump or hoses, or the 2 reservoirs.
As said, if you have an engine mounted/belt driven pump, you have what's called "Power Assist" steering.

Is there a hose that actually runs and connects to the Steering Wheel? Could the leak be coming from the front of the boat and running to the back to the bilge area?
That would be for what's called "Hydraulic Steering", of which the manually operated helm unit is the pump!
Click to expand...

Try what Jeff suggests in post #5.
 
Oil is showing up on the floor under the engine, so it must be from inside. Changed out one of the 2 hoses that I could see leaking, but still has a slow leak. Guess I should have changed out the other one too?
 
What color is the oil that you're finding? Brownish would be engine oil. Clear or red is power steering fluid. Clear or red is trim. Green is stern drive.
Do you have remote fill for the outdrive? There's a reservoir up on the engine with green oil in it. The hose is made of plastic. It connects to the transom with a wee tiny hose barb. If this hose has a leak it'll goop all over the bilge. Is the reservoir present? Is it full?
The other place that may be leaking is the manifold fitting at the bottom of the transom. It's where the trim hoses attach to the drive, and distribute hydraulic to the cylinders.
 
Color of oil is clear/light brown. I have remote fill, reservoir of green fluid is staying steady, so no leak there. I check the engine oil level, and I have not had to add engine oil. Could be leaking at one of the manifold fittings, how can I know for sure? Thanks again
 
Do you have the oil filter on the exhaust manifold? Brownish oil probably engine oil. May be leaking remote filter fitting or hose. Small leak there probably should be looked at as it could mean that you're about to lose a hose ( =bad )
Also, power steering/hydraulic has a sort of "sweet" smell, while engine oil is more "oily" or metallic smell.
 
Oil filter is on top right front. Don’t see or feel any leaks. If the hose fittings leak on the Manila through the transom, would I see a leak into the bilge area? What else can I do or what else should I look for? Thanks again
 
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