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Author Topic:   Verado Power Steering Failure

Foulweather Jack posted 05-31-2015 11:33 AM ET (US)
I tried replying to an old thread re the Verado power steering system but it doesn't look like it went through, so I'm posting again. Apologies, Jim, if this somehow duplicated my prior post.
Just took my 2007 235 Conquest with 250 Verado out for a sea trial after sitting up for six months. Steering was terrible, with lots of play around dead center and lots of turns of the wheel required for any response.
So after reading an old thread and consulting the Mercury service manual online, I topped up steering fluid and bled the air out of the system. A positive feel has returned to the steering, but it is apparent that there is no change in steering effort with the engine off as compared to on; thus, I'm getting no power assist.
Any suggestions for further troubleshooting? I suspect that I"m approaching my Peter principle level of incompetence, but if there's something relatively simple to try I'd like to try it prior to going through the hassle of getting the boat to the dealer.
Any suggestions are welcome.
jimh posted 05-31-2015 01:31 PM ET (US)
The first thing that comes to mind for me: the steering boost is provided by an electrically operated pump. If you don't have any steering boost, check the electrical power branch circuit that is feeding the electrical pump for the steering. This pump is usually located near the battery bank. There should be hydraulic lines running to the pump from the steering line. The pump can draw about 60-Amperes of electrical current. I suspect a circuit breaker is probably used to provide over-current protection, but a fuse might also be used. Check that circuit to verify there is electrical power at the pump. If no electrical power at the pump, then perhaps the circuit breaker has actuated or a fuse has opened. This electrical realm is where I would look first.
Jefecinco posted 05-31-2015 07:31 PM ET (US)
Old, weak batteries are often the cause of poor power steering performance. If your batteries are original to the boat they may need replacement. Even if they are relatively fresh they may need to be charged. The power steering current draw is so high that the batteries may not recharge during a few hours of operation.
If charging the batteries does not solve the problem take them to a shop for load testing.
Mercury now requires AGM batteries be used for those engines equipped with electrical power steering. A popular choice is the Sears Diehard Platinum battery. If you take your batteries to Sears for load testing any necessary replacement may be there for you to take home.
I recently installed Group 31 Sears AGMs. If you do so be prepared for some very heavy lifting.
Butch
Foulweather Jack posted 06-01-2015 06:32 AM ET (US)
Thanks for the replies. The batteries were replaced last summer. I'll recharge and see if that makes a difference.

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Author	Topic: Verado Power Steering Failure
Foulweather Jack	posted 05-31-2015 11:33 AM ET (US) I tried replying to an old thread re the Verado power steering system but it doesn't look like it went through, so I'm posting again. Apologies, Jim, if this somehow duplicated my prior post. Just took my 2007 235 Conquest with 250 Verado out for a sea trial after sitting up for six months. Steering was terrible, with lots of play around dead center and lots of turns of the wheel required for any response. So after reading an old thread and consulting the Mercury service manual online, I topped up steering fluid and bled the air out of the system. A positive feel has returned to the steering, but it is apparent that there is no change in steering effort with the engine off as compared to on; thus, I'm getting no power assist. Any suggestions for further troubleshooting? I suspect that I"m approaching my Peter principle level of incompetence, but if there's something relatively simple to try I'd like to try it prior to going through the hassle of getting the boat to the dealer. Any suggestions are welcome.
jimh	posted 05-31-2015 01:31 PM ET (US) The first thing that comes to mind for me: the steering boost is provided by an electrically operated pump. If you don't have any steering boost, check the electrical power branch circuit that is feeding the electrical pump for the steering. This pump is usually located near the battery bank. There should be hydraulic lines running to the pump from the steering line. The pump can draw about 60-Amperes of electrical current. I suspect a circuit breaker is probably used to provide over-current protection, but a fuse might also be used. Check that circuit to verify there is electrical power at the pump. If no electrical power at the pump, then perhaps the circuit breaker has actuated or a fuse has opened. This electrical realm is where I would look first.
Jefecinco	posted 05-31-2015 07:31 PM ET (US) Old, weak batteries are often the cause of poor power steering performance. If your batteries are original to the boat they may need replacement. Even if they are relatively fresh they may need to be charged. The power steering current draw is so high that the batteries may not recharge during a few hours of operation. If charging the batteries does not solve the problem take them to a shop for load testing. Mercury now requires AGM batteries be used for those engines equipped with electrical power steering. A popular choice is the Sears Diehard Platinum battery. If you take your batteries to Sears for load testing any necessary replacement may be there for you to take home. I recently installed Group 31 Sears AGMs. If you do so be prepared for some very heavy lifting. Butch
Foulweather Jack	posted 06-01-2015 06:32 AM ET (US) Thanks for the replies. The batteries were replaced last summer. I'll recharge and see if that makes a difference.