I am scared!

S

spj

Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2009
RO Number
31662
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238
I had a power steering leak the last couple of weeks last season. One mechanic said he did not want to look at in the water, in case he had to pull the heads to get to the leak.

So I figured what the heck, I would take a look at it.

It appears to have been a small crack in the non pressure return side hose. 18" of 3/8 hose and two new hose clamps, an hour of twisting upside down and backwards and I think it is fixed.

Cost a couple of bucks for hose and clamps.

I am very afraid of any repair on the boat that comes in under $100 never mind one that comes in under $10!

Anyone else think I should be afraid?
 
I would get a new mechanic, the power steering system is not connected to the heads, and therefore could not leak into them.
 
Along with a new mechanic (one you can learn to trust) get a generic engine maintenance book that will help you scope out future problems. You are on track. Nice Job!

If the hoses are set well and the clamps are new there should be no worry. Congratulations.
 
you done good.

yup new mechnic is in order
 
The heads? WTF is he talking about? And even if he had to pull the heads, why would it matter if you were in the water?
 
You didn't kick out a window while upside down? You didn't spill a gallon of fluid into the bilge? You didn't lean on the flame arrestor and bend the crap out of it?

Yes, be afraid, very afraid!
 
quote:
Originally posted by HOGAN

I would get a new mechanic, the power steering system is not connected to the heads, and therefore could not leak into them.

Click to expand...


He didn't say it was connected to the heads. Just that the head may have been in the way of getting to the leak.

"in case he had to pull the heads to get to the leak."

Sounds like you need to find a more limber mechanic.
 
You did a great job. Congratulations. A low pressure hose is just that, low pressure. If the hose clamps are tight,which I assume they are, you'll be fine. As was suggested, a service manual, some time to stare at the engine parts with the manual in hand, and definitely a new, qualified mechanic are in order. I've yet to see an engine whose heads have to be pulled to get at a power steering leak. That's absurd. Hy
 
"I am very afraid of any repair on the boat that comes in under $100 never mind one that comes in under $10!"

Don't be afraid ... the $90 is what you got paid for your labor!! And that's a reasonable rate as far as maring mechanics go.
 
you will do your own repairs at about 20% of the cost of having a pro do it. Boats are labor intensive and a good pro is worth every penny but if you want to keep costs low DIY. Along the way you will learn a lot and importantly become familiar with stuff in the ER. You will probably notice things going wrong before they fail and cause more expensive problems. The boats that dont need a tow are the ones where the owner spends enough time in the bilge doing one thing and noticing another.
 
quote:
Originally posted by rtribble

Just enjoy the fruits of your labor, well deserved!

Click to expand...


+1. Go buy a gallon of fuel or 2.
 
My mechanic is pretty good, and has never steered me wrong yet. He has an auto repair shop, and will only work on friends boats. Had it been the line from the steering ram to the cooler, I do not think anyone short of a 3 year old midget would fit in there to fix it. And yea I am sure both he and I could stand to be a little more limber! I had no problem getting to the leak, it as getting back out that was tough.

Before I bought the boat the holding tank had been moved from under the aft cabin in to the bilge, then I upgrade the water heater from a six gallon to ten gallon. between those what little room there go even littler.

I am some what mechanical, but knew nothing about power steering. I assumed both sides were under pressure, and did not know there was even a cooler on the power steering line. It is amazing what a little research can teach you.

I am still scared of the under $10 fix, and yes the hose clamps are stainless. I did not count them in my repair cost because I took them out of my spare parts kit.
 
Regardless of what your "mechanic" says, it's up to YOU to inspect the problem first and make your decision.

After 10 years NO "mechanic" has ever boarded my boat!!! (needless to say they've never fixed anything either)
 
Don't hesitate to get ideas and comments on this forum before you spend money on a problem! This place pays for itself over and over again. Glad you are aboard!
 
Working in the Engineering yard of a Boat overhaul and refitting company, I can recall some of Positions we had to get into for some of those jobs. One guy holding the Ankles of the guy who's head is just above the bilges.
Sometimes you'd get so dizzy you had to think about which way to turn the wrench.

For all those Hose clamp fittings you never ever wanted to visit again, put two Hose clamps on, and restrain the hose so that hours of vibration don't crack the hose at a fitting.
 
That's when you wish you could call in the guys that designed 'em to fix 'em!
 
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