Monterey Boats 378SE, Owner'S Manual

Page: 54 / 210

54
MONTEREY
BOATS
Helm Control Systems
4.9 Control Systems Maintenance
Hydraulic and Power Assisted Steering
System Maintenance
A periodic inspection of all steering hoses, linkage
and helm assemblies should be made. Signs of
corrosion, cracking, loosening of fastenings, leak-
ing fluid, excessive wear, or deterioration should
be corrected immediately. The transom area in
the engine compartment should be checked for
leakage around outdrives and for wires, hoses and
cables that may be rubbing against the steering
cylinder or tiller arm.
You also should make sure there are no wires
or cables secured to the steering cable near the
power steering cylinder on boats with power as-
sisted cable steering. The cable is attached to the
power steering cylinder control valve and must be
free to move slightly to activate the valve. Hard
or erratic steering is an indication that the steer-
ing cable is not moving freely.
Generally, periodic lubrication of all moving parts
and connections with a light waterproof grease is
in order. Failure to do so could lead to steering
system failure that would result in loss of control.
Engine driven power steering system has spe-
cific fluid and maintenance requirements. The
fluid level and belt tension should be checked
frequently. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s
owner’s manual for fluid specifications and main -
tenance instructions for hydraulic assisted steering
systems.
Electronic Steering and Control Systems
Maintenance
Electronic steering and control systems are sup-
plied by the engine manufacturer. The systems
have maintenance requirements that are specific
to the engines, drive units and control options
installed in your boat.
You should refer to the engine and controls sys-
tems owner’s manuals for information and mainte-
nance on the control and steering system installed
in your boat. Their recommendations should be
followed exactly.
The engine controls and steering systems are
fully electronic and activated by micro proces-
sors and controlling software in each drive unit.
If adjustment becomes necessary do not attempt
to address the problem yourself. You should con-
tact your Monterey dealer or Monterey Customer
Service for assistance.
WARNING
IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS
CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND SEVERE ENGINE OR
DRIVE DAMAGE. IF YOUR CONTROLS ARE NOT OPERATING
PROPERLY, DO NOT ATTEMPT CONTROL SYSTEM
ADJUSTMENTS YOURSELF. CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR
MONTEREY CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR ASSISTANCE AND DO
NOT USE THE BOAT UNTIL THE SITUATION IS CORRECTED.
Outdrive Lubrication
Please refer to the engine owner’s manual for
maintenance and lubrication instructions for the
outdrive.
Trim Tab Maintenance
The trim tab actuators are electric and require no
routine maintenance except to periodically inspect
the tab actuators for corrosion or marine growth
and test the system to ensure that it is operating
properly.
Marine growth can interfere with the proper op-
eration of the trim tab planes and actuators. To
reduce problems due to marine growth, always
return the trim tabs to the full “UP” position af-
ter operating the boat and periodically inspect
and clean marine growth from the actuators and
planes.
If the boat is kept in the water, the trim tabs
must be equipped with a zinc anode to prevent
galvanic corrosion. Galvanic corrosion is the cor-
rosion process occurring when different metals
are submerged in an electrolyte. Seawater is an
electrolyte and submerged metal components
must be properly protected. The anodes will need
to be changed when they are 75% of their original
size. Refer to the Routine Maintenance chapter of
this manual for information on maintaining zinc
anodes.
To discourage any marine growth on tabs or actua-
tors, antifouling paint can be applied. When ap-
plying paint to the actuators, make sure it is fully
retracted. Do not paint the stainless ram above