Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump *updated and done*

[mark1905]

Ok.. I know how everyone loves this question, and I have no qualms with electrical items..

But can anyone tell me how a marine power steering pump is any different than an automotive, and why I should use a $450 Mercruiser pump vs a $100 Autozone pump?


1997 3.0LX, by the way..

 

[Bondo]

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

But can anyone tell me how a marine power steering pump is any different than an automotive,

Ayuh,...

A Saginaw pump is a Saginaw pump.....

The Problems begin with the fact that the Mounting bosses,+ the plumbing fittings will be Different.....

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

The 3.0 was never used in a auto. ever. But the 2.5 was. Maybe just maybe you can have it matched up who do you know has the 1968 parts.

But to reply to the question if you can find it a auto one use it.

And please post the one you find that does fit for sure mounted and working you would have done a great favor to others on this forum that might run into the same problem and you found a solution and saved them money.

Woa came back to post the name of the guy who got me my timing gear cover for the 2.5, Kodiak customs in NJ. Don't Know the link but you can find it.

If it out there somewhere in the world he will find it.

Thats how you pay back. Kapiche?

 

[Don S]

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

What I usually end up doing with an automotive pump is to remove the reservoir and use the old one (Clean it up of course) along with the pressure fitting if different. Then you have all the proper connections for the hoses and brackets on your engine.

 

[mark1905]

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

What I usually end up doing with an automotive pump is to remove the reservoir and use the old one (Clean it up of course) along with the pressure fitting if different. Then you have all the proper connections for the hoses and brackets on your engine.

This sounds like possibly what may need to be done..

Can you briefly describe what it takes to change the reservoirs out after the pulley is off?

 

[Don S]

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

There is usually a stud (or 2) on the back of the pump and the pressure outlet fitting that have to come off, then the reservoir should slide off. I would take the old pump off first, and remove the pulley and make sure the new pump has the proper threaded holes in them. I've never had to replace but 3 or 4 over the years, NAPA always had the right pump in stock

 

[mark1905]

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Nice.. thanks Don. I'll get walk it into the parts shop and have some fun..

I'm not sure what made the bearings in my 12 year old pump go out, to be honest. Boat has but maybe 300 hours on it. The pulley though has a good 1/4" of play in and out though, and the shimmying sound at high rpm's while turning has gotten louder and louder. Have you ever run into that?

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

I ain't Don can i reply.

Some one tightens down the freekin belt so tight they messed up the bearings.

 

[mark1905]

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Lol..

WASN'T ME!!

I purchased the boat in May and the belt has always been fine.. It was making the noise from the beginning, and just got worse and worse..

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Sorta like a bad marriage. Could have gotten saltwater on it, but i bet the pulley was rusty and it started to slip and like i said they kept tighten it till they figured out to sandpaper the pulley.

Good luck let us know how you made out.

 

[Don S]

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

And sometime bearings just fail

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

And sometimes they just fail can't oil them or grease them they go. Don is right as always.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump

Don is correct you can use the automotive pump but make sure you use your old shuttle/relief valve as suggested as Mercrusiers pressures are lower than auto pressures

 

[mark1905]

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump *updated and done!*

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump *updated and done!*

DONE!!!


Worked perfectly.. I picked up a Saginaw pump that matched right up without the reservoir from Autozone for $49.99.. ATSCO PN#6251..

Get yourself a 1" wrench for the pressure fitting, swap it over, and you are golden. The old reservoir was a little bit of a pain to pop off from being pushed on by the previous owner trying to tighten the belt, but putting a screwdriver into the bolt holes through the back of it and popping it a few times with a hammer did the trick.

Bled it without the engine on for about 5 passes left to right, refilled, tested with engine on. Perfect.

Thanks so much Don S!

Now the bad news.. that needed to be done, but wasn't the main problem.. time for a new thread..

 

[jhopper46]

Re: Marine vs. Automotive - Power Steering Pump *updated and done*

I know its been a while since you made this swap, was wondering how it has been working? (Using and automotive pump)