Mercruiser V8 Power Steering cooler

[Mercury13]

I need some ideas on how long I could safely run the motor without the cooler in service. I removed the ps hoses and some other things to make a repair on a cracked water jacket on the block (port side.) When replacing everything I must have bent the brass hose connection and it leaked bad. In order to test the repair I ran the engine 2x for 30 min , bypassing the cooler with 3/8" SS tubing. ( In the driveway with muffs. ) The tubing was only warm to the touch.
The question is, how long can I run at 3000 RPMs in the water to test the block repair ?

Also could a repair be made to the cooler, new ones were kind of pricey ?
Thanks for any help.

SeaRay Mercruiser GM 305 Alpha One Gen II

Steve

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: Mercruiser V8 Power Steering cooler

Yes, the cooler can be repaired (well, depending on the damage). Take it to the local radiator repair shop.

You can run your motor with the cooler bypassed, but you run the risk of burning the fluid. The less you use the steering, the longer it will keep cool. Keep in mind, that steering pump, and fluid is just like what has been used in GM vehicles for many years, and they aren't cooled at all in automotive applications except by the air the fan blows across it.
Use it just enoughto test your repairs and you should be fine. Afterwards, if the fluid smells burned or is brownish colored, flush and refil the system.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Mercruiser V8 Power Steering cooler

Hey Mercury, Check your PM's (Private messages)

 

[Mercury13]

Re: Mercruiser V8 Power Steering cooler

Thanks for the info. I did run it again this AM in the drive for 30 min at 1200 RPM. I operated the steering intermittantly and the line never heated up. I'll feel more confident putting it in the river this week.
Thanks again.

Steve