Power steering valve question

[Norris W.]

Sorry if this can't be asked here: My son just purchased a boat with a Mercruiser Stern Drive and power steering. It has the same steering valve in the mechanism that is on the end of the drag link on C3's and maybe others too. (none of my mid year stuff is PS, so don't know what other years may have used this valve) When engine is running steering wheel will turn all the way to one lock on it's own. It's also darty, feeling stiff in one direction, then suddenly turning loose. Power steering pump was recently replaced according to previous owner. I've seen this exact condition on Corvettes, but Mercury dealer says they've never seen it on a boat and have never replaced the valve on one either. Apologies for posting here, but I've posted on two marine websites and haven't gotten a good reply in 4 days, so trying a couple of Corvette sites.

[Michael C.]

Re: Power steering valve question

Norris,

Sounds like the valve needs to be balanced. I believe on Corvettes the same valve was used from 63-82, and so a copy of the Corvette Service Manual from any of those years should detail the procedure. On my '72 it's a matter of removing the nickel-sized dust cap from the valve end, and adjusting the nut underneath it until the wheel is centered and doesn't pull on it's own.

Good luck,

Mike

[Patrick H.]

Re: Power steering valve question

I agree with Michael - I think that the valve needs to be balanced.
You can Google how to do it, and I found a lot of links and YouTube videos.

Or here:

http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2012/03/1963-82-corvette-power-steering-service/

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/valvereplacebalance18oc06.doc

http://willcoxcorvette.com/instructions/POWER_STEERING_VALVE_ADJUSTMENT.pdf

[Joe L.]

Re: Power steering valve question

Sorry if this can't be asked here: My son just purchased a boat with a Mercruiser Stern Drive and power steering. It has the same steering valve in the mechanism that is on the end of the drag link on C3's and maybe others too. (none of my mid year stuff is PS, so don't know what other years may have used this valve) When engine is running steering wheel will turn all the way to one lock on it's own. It's also darty, feeling stiff in one direction, then suddenly turning loose. Power steering pump was recently replaced according to previous owner. I've seen this exact condition on Corvettes, but Mercury dealer says they've never seen it on a boat and have never replaced the valve on one either. Apologies for posting here, but I've posted on two marine websites and haven't gotten a good reply in 4 days, so trying a couple of Corvette sites.

Norris------


I pretty much agree with the others. However, what I do not understand is how an existing valve could suddenly become "un-balanced". So, also check to be sure that the retract and extend hoses were not improperly connected.