icsdoug
New Member
In repairing/replacing various components of my Zeus system (2012 470DA) over the past 7 years, I have learned there are several known problems relating to the system. Particularly, the Trim Tab Actuation System, Steering Seals and Prop Shaft Seals. I have invested well over $35k repairing/replacing these systems or their various components. I recently had to replace the steering seals in both drives (one failed, one was preventative) $300 seals, $7000 in labor, travel and yard costs. If you are approaching 500 hours on your drives, you WILL have to replace these seals, and I recommend you do it preventatively. When they fail, they pressurize the transmission and blow the fluid out of the reservoir cap (that blows off) covering the engine room and bilge with steering fluid. The only procedure is to shut down the affected engine and proceed single engine with minimum steerage.
I am discovering from various sources, these (and others) are well known problems and Mercruiser/Cummins/SeaRay continue to market and sell these systems, without fully disclosing the known issues or a comprehensive program of maintenance. ( The Volvo IPS drives have similar issues)
I understand boating is a problematic enterprise, however, continuing to market a poorly designed and poorly supported product is not only disingenuous, but dangerously negligent in that loss of steering in POD equipped vessels can be dangerous.
I am not inviting opinions, I am only asking for others who have had failures (of any sort) not due to damage or improper maintenance practices to respond with their experiences If they choose to. You may PM me if you wish. I am collecting this data to support making a claim for recompense. Your help is greatly appreciated and i will post the results for others to pursue if they wish.
I am discovering from various sources, these (and others) are well known problems and Mercruiser/Cummins/SeaRay continue to market and sell these systems, without fully disclosing the known issues or a comprehensive program of maintenance. ( The Volvo IPS drives have similar issues)
I understand boating is a problematic enterprise, however, continuing to market a poorly designed and poorly supported product is not only disingenuous, but dangerously negligent in that loss of steering in POD equipped vessels can be dangerous.
I am not inviting opinions, I am only asking for others who have had failures (of any sort) not due to damage or improper maintenance practices to respond with their experiences If they choose to. You may PM me if you wish. I am collecting this data to support making a claim for recompense. Your help is greatly appreciated and i will post the results for others to pursue if they wish.