Checking Fluid Level After The Initial Fill; Checking Fluid Level; Engine Warm - Mercury MerCruiser Service Manual

3. Check the fluid level in the steering pump reservoir.
4. Start the engine.
5. Turn the steering wheel five full turns in the counterclockwise direction.
6. Stop the engine.
a
7. Remove the cap and dipstick from the reservoir.
8. Allow any foam in the pump reservoir to disperse.
NOTE: It may take up to 20 minutes for the foam to dissipate.
9. Check the fluid level and add fluid as required to bring the level up to the "FULL COLD" mark on the dipstick. Do not
overfill.
10. Repeat steps 4–9 until the reservoir is full and the fluid is clear. This should purge entrapped air from the steering system.
11. Disconnect the hose ends and remove the union fitting.
12. Connect the hydraulic hoses to the steering cylinder. Refer to Connecting the Hydraulic Hoses to the Tilt Steering
Helm.

Checking Fluid Level After the Initial Fill

1. Start the engine and operate it at fast idle (1000–1500 RPM) until it reaches normal operating temperature. During this
time, turn the steering wheel fully back and forth several times.
2. Using the steering wheel, position the sterndrive so that it is pointed straight ahead.
3. Stop the engine.
4. Remove the cap and dipstick from the reservoir.
5. Allow any foam in the pump reservoir to disperse.
IMPORTANT: The sterndrive must be in the straight ahead position and steering fluid must be hot for an accurate reading
of the fluid level.
6. Check the fluid level and add fluid as required to bring the level up to the "FULL HOT" mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill.
7. Install the cap and dipstick. Tighten the cap securely.
8. If the fluid is still foamy, repeat steps 1–7 until the fluid does not foam and the level remains constant.

Checking Fluid Level

Engine Warm

1. Stop the engine. Center the sterndrive.
90-8M0099748 eng DECEMBER 2015
d
b
56873
a - Port steering hose
b - Union fitting 892526
c - Starboard steering hose
d - Port steering cylinder fitting
c
e - Starboard steering cylinder fitting
e
© 2016 Mercury Marine
Compact Hydraulic Steering
Page 8B-5