89 Mercruiser 3.0 power steering leak.

[toneybrown]

Hey guys, back again trying to figure out an issue. My power steering has a leak and I'm not sure if I am looking in all the right places for it. I filled it up, and while the engine was running had my wife turn the wheel all the way right and left over and over while I looked for a leak.

I checked both hoses leaving the pump, both dry and no oil under them. I checked the connections at the actuator and the actuator. Again no visible leaks, no oil under them. Next checked the hoses going into the oil cooler. No wet or leaking hoses and the oil cooler was clean and free of oil.

Left the pump full of oil and gave up. Went out about a week later and notice oil in the bilge again and pump is almost out of fluid. The only place I can see any wet oily spots are at the bottom of the pump were a bolt connects its to it on the back side.

So, can a pump just leak out of the bottom? If so is it just a simple pump replacement? I am 99% sure all hoses and connections are not leaking. Unless there are more hoses I just can't see.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Could be a bad o-ring. The saginaw power steering pump can be rebuilt for about $15 including the kit and a can of beake clean

 

[kenny nunez]

2 Xs on the reseal, an easy job. If the shaft seal is not leaking leave it alone because you will need a special puller and installing tools.

 

[scoflaw]

Rust hole at the bottom of the resovoir...

 

[alldodge]

I would bet on the cooler before the pump leaking. The hose clamps cut into the hoses and start a seep leak. IN any case you'll figure it out

 

[toneybrown]

I would bet on the cooler before the pump leaking. The hose clamps cut into the hoses and start a seep leak. IN any case you'll figure it out

I figured for sure it was a hose also. I check and checked all the hoses I could see. The 2 leaving the pump, the ones going into the actuator, and the ones going into and out of the oil cooler. Nothing was even wet.

So, if it is the pump should I pull it and inspect it? What would I be looking for if it is an O ring? Is it down at the bottom where the bolt goes?

 

[toneybrown]

Ok, pulled the pump off. I see 2 O rings. One on the line running to the actuator. That O-ring looks to be in good shape. The other seems to have gone at the mounting bolt on the bottom of the pump. I can't tell if fluid can actually leak from that place. But the fact an old worn O ring was there I assume it does.

What do I need to fix this? A new O-ring or an entire kit of some sort?

 

[toneybrown]

Another update. I think I have found the leak.

There seems to be a crack around the mounting bolt hole on the bottom of the pump housing. I assume this is not repairable and will require a new pump or housing. That being said, the Mercruiser part is stupidly expensive and I have seen where a much cheaper GM part can replace it. Does anyone have the part number for the GM pump/reservoir? I assume the pump is till good, just need to fix or replace the reservoir.

Do you think JB weld might patch it?

 

[alldodge]

JB should do it, there is no pressure. Either that or have it brazed welded.

 

[toneybrown]

JB should do it, there is no pressure. Either that or have it brazed welded.

Ok, thanks. I think I will drain it out, clean it up and try some JB weld then make sure it isn't tightened too much when reinstalling. I assume that is what cracked it in the beginning. If nothing else I think I can take it to an autoparts store and get a replacement for around $50.

Again, thanks for the insight and help!

 

[alldodge]

Use some acetone for final cleaning to get rid of any oil residue

 

[scoflaw]

that is the pump resovoir, paper thin sheet metal. Go get yourself another pump at autozone. They went from standard fittings to metric in the early 90's. Take note of the angle of your return line as well.

 

[alldodge]

that is the pump resovoir, paper thin sheet metal. Go get yourself another pump at autozone. They went from standard fittings to metric in the early 90's. Take note of the angle of your return line as well.

If you do this, you need to use the fitting from your old pump where the high pressure line attaches

 

[scoflaw]

If you do this, you need to use the fitting from your old pump where the high pressure line attaches

The metric fitting doesn't fit the standard pump, So you figure out if you have a metric or standard pump and get the right one, no need to change anything. But.. many variations on the configuration of the low pressure return pipe.

 

[alldodge]

The point is the auto pump uses less pressure then the marine, the pump is the same. So unless you keep the regulator from the old pump you will have something that requires more effort to steer

 

[scoflaw]

Been all through this a short time ago. We were talking fitting, now your talking regulator ?

 

[toneybrown]

JB weld seems to have fixed it for now. I don't think it will hold up once the engine has been running a while with the vibrations and what not. I will see if it gets me though a while longer before I replace it.