power steering problem
 

1995 Barchetta: replaced worn power steering pump, and since have experienced the hoses blowing out. Too much pressure? have replaced hoses thinking they may be old (since we purchased boat used). Running in the driveway with water hose there is no problems....until we get out on the lake and open 'er up. Next thing you know there is PS fluid spewing everywhere! Missed 2 weekends boating because of this and have put tons of hours into repairing....any suggestions? Please reply quickly as we would love to get this resolved and get out on the lake this weekend. Is there some sort of valve that controls the pressure? or could we have gotten a defective replacement pump?

Re: power steering problem
 

Which hose/line blew out? There are quite a few. Was it on the high pressure section or on the low pressure section of the system. Was it the first line on the high pressure side out of the pump, or further down the line? The pump has an internal pressure relief(control) valve that should keep the high pressure side below line rupturing pressure. Note:As long as the lines and components are in good shape. Let me know and I will try to help. A good manual would probably be useful too.

Happy Boating
Dan

Re: power steering problem
 

Dan- the return line blew out at trans. cooler (low pressure section of the system.) Bypassed the cooler by connecting the two lines in order to eliminate a cooler problem.....worked fine (in drive with garden hose hooked up).....going to try another run on the lake to see what happens. In the meantime, I also blew air through the return line off the pump through the cooler to determine if there was a blockage and that seems clear. I welcome any additional suggestions you might offer to help us get this resolved....thanks so much!

Re: power steering problem
 

My guess would be that the return line was bad, or the hose clamps on it were not tight enough. A previous owner may have changed it before and used the wrong type of hose, or it may have just deteriorated. Does the outside of the hose fell like gum, or does it look swollen. Was the hose plenty long enough to reach both fittings, but not kinked in any way? PS fluid will break down certain types of hoses. If you change it just make sure the hose is rated for power steering fluid. Just a few things to think about. Let me know how it goes
Happy Boating
Dan