Steering Systems - Four winns Vista 328 Owner's Manual

STEERING SYSTEMS

G - 1 GENERAL
Four Winns® boats are equipped with rotary-type steer-
ing systems. Tilt steering wheel and power steering are
features which are standard on the Vista® models.
A. Rotary Steering
In the rotary system, a rotary drum assembly is mounted
under the dash behind the steering wheel. A one piece
cable runs from the drum assembly through the boat into
the engine compartment. At the transom, the cable turns
and is connected to the drive tiller and the power steer-
ing unit.
B. Tilt Steering
To tilt the steering wheel, depress the release lever with
your thumb . See Figure G1. Be sure to hold the top of
the wheel to assist in positioning. Refer to the steering
manufacturer’s literature for additional information.
Figure G1: Tilt Steering
The tilt mechanism should not be adjusted when
the boat is moving. Sudden boat movement may
cause loss of balance resulting in loss of control
and/or injury.
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The tilt mechanism is spring loaded. Due to the
variation in steering wheel offerings, the wheel
may spring up rapidly when depressing the re-
lease lever. ALWAYS KEEP ONE HAND ON
THE WHEEL DURING TILT ADJUSTMENT OR
INJURY MAY OCCUR.
C. Power Steering
Power steering is standard engine equipment on all Vista®
models. It is comprised of an engine mounted pump,
control valve, hoses, and steering cylinder. Power steer-
ing works in conjunction with the helm and steering cable
to move the transom mounted tiller arm and vertical drive
more easily.
On twin engine installations, only the starboard engine is
equipped with a power steering hydraulic assist pump.
Therefore, when operating on a single engine, it is im-
perative to operate with the starboard engine. If only the
port engine is used, hard steering will result.
NOTICE
DO NOT force the steering wheel to either ex-
treme position. This can place undue strain on
the unit and can lead to power steering dam-
age.
Upon commissioning the boat, it is necessary to purge
the system of air. This is performed by your Four Winns
dealer during pre-delivery service. Should steering diffi-
culty increase with time, it is possible additional bleeding
of the system is required. See your Four Winns dealer
for assistance. This and other adjustments on power
steering units are critical and should be performed only
by a qualified service technician.
If the power steering becomes inoperative, steering will
be harder and more effort will be needed to steer the boat.
Check for a broken or loose belt on the power steering
pump. Also, low fluid levels in the power steering pump
reservoir will cause hard steering.
items are not the source of the problem, check for equip-
ment or other items lying on or up against the steering
cable at the back of the boat. The cable must be free and
clear to slide back and forth. Any item blocking free move-
ment of the cable will result in harder steering and pos-
If these
Section G
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