Four winns 318 VISTA, Owner'S Manual

Page: 70 / 236

Owner’s Manual Page Steering Systems - Section G
After the first two hours of running time, check
the entire steering system for loose bolts, nuts
and fasteners which could adversely affect
steering control.
NOTICE
Check the fluid level in the reservoir peri-
odically. Low power steering fluid levels may
increase steering difficulty.
NOTICE
DO NOT interfere with or restrict steering cable
movement through the last 90
o
of bend at the
engine. DO NOT use cable retainers, clamps
or tie straps. Using one or all of these could
restrict the cable movement near the engine.
DO NOT tie wiring harnesses or other control
cables to the steering cable. Make sure the
deck coaming pads and bulkheads allow for
steering cable movement in all positions
of trim.
When storing equipment in the engine
compartment, be sure to avoid contact with the
steering cable. Cables may become kinked or
damaged and may increase steering effort.
Additional.information.on.steering.operation.can.be.
found.in.Section.A-9.in.this.manual.and.in.your.engine.
owner’s.manual.
G - 2 STEERING LOAD
A.load.is.placed.on.the.steering.system.by.the.propel-
ler torque, and/or water flowing past the outdrives.
The.steering.system.is.designed.to.normalize.the.
effort.required.to.turn.the.steering.wheel.throughout.
the.average.operating.speed.range.and.general.
outdrive.position..This.is.an.advantage.when.the.boat.
is.on.plane..This.can.be.somewhat.of.a.disadvantage.
at.lower.speeds.in.that.the.steering.effort.is.not.
reduced.to.a.level.where.it.can.be.wheeled.“lock.to.
lock” without a concentrated turning effort.
Steering effort can vary significantly with
engine acceleration, steering angle, trim angle,
and sea condition. Be prepared for additional
steering loads at all times.
G - 3 PROPELLER TORQUE
The.propeller.rotation.of.a.single.engine.operation..
will.exert.a.directional.force.on.the.steering.system..
This.can.cause.the.steering.to.be.harder.in.one.
direction.than.the.other,.and.is.called.propeller.torque.
Propeller.torque.can.also.cause.the.boat.to.wander.
(not.follow.a.straight.line).when.operated.at.low.
speeds..This.condition.is.normal.and.can.be.corrected.
only.by.increasing.engine.rpm..Wind,.water.currents.
and.play.in.steering.components.can.cause.equivalent.
effects.
G - 4 STEERING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
A.periodic.inspection.of.all.stern.drive.steering.cables,.
linkage.and.helm.assemblies.should.be.made..Signs.
of.corrosion,.cracking,.loosening.of.fastenings,.
excessive.wear,.or.deterioration.should.be.immedi-
ately.corrected..Failure.to.do.so.could.lead.to.steering.
system.failure.and.corresponding.loss.of.control.
The.helm.and.cable.assembly.should.be.adjusted.so.
that.the.steering.wheel.is.centered.with.the.drives.in.
the.straight.ahead.position..There.should.be.an.equal.
number.of.turns.to.port.and.starboard.from.the.straight.
ahead.position..If.adjustment.becomes.necessary,.
see.your.Four.Winns.dealer.
All.cables,.helm.assemblies,.and.steering.connections.
should.be.periodically.lubricated.with.a.light,.water-
proof.grease.or.as.indicated.in.the.manufacturers.
information.provided.in.the.owner’s.packet.