Power steering fluid leak, but parts no longer available... Anywhere...

[MasterGoa]

Hi all!

As the proud owner of a 1994 Vista 278 with a pair of OMC 50FI engines, I was doing some preventative maintetance
and noticed that power steering oil was almost gone.

Now before I start a job, I always check if parts are available.

So I checked for the pressure hose, return hose and fluid cooler for availability.

Well it seems it is no longer available anywhere.

The dealer at the Marine where I am docked says Evinrude no longer has any in stock
and looking up Volvo came up empty as well...

Any idea who makes whose and other parts for OMC engines?
Mine and 50FAPRJVB.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Scott Danforth]

If it's your hoses, take them off and to your local automotive machine shop that makes power steering hoses

 

[Bondo]

So I checked for the pressure hose, return hose and fluid cooler for availability.

Ayuh,..... You can have a Hyd. Shop make a hi-pressure hose, use automotive rubber fuel line for the return hose, 'n a cooler from somebody else, or another time frame,...

 

[MasterGoa]

Thanks guys! I assume coolers are pretty standard?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Thanks guys! I assume coolers are pretty standard?

some are, most are designed to fit the space provided. however most can also be simply repaired. any good industrial radiator shop should be able to fix it up for cheap.

 

[SpitAndDirt]

Ayuh,..... You can have a Hyd. Shop make a hi-pressure hose, use automotive rubber fuel line for the return hose, 'n a cooler from somebody else, or another time frame,...

+1 I work in an aircraft maintenance shop and we could fabricate these types of lines all day long. You will pay a little more for using stainless steel tubing, but the flares can be made on the spot. Not every shop has the exact same capabilities, so check around with your local heavy construction equipment dealers. Most of them repair or manufacture hi pressure hoses of most any diameter. Just don't toss your old one until you are sure the new one fits perfectly!

 

[MasterGoa]

Hey guys, quick update: OMC decided to use plastic clip ties at the oil cooler and the hoses had shrunk
over time. This seems to have been the source of the leak. Because of the placement, oil was leaking on the bell housing and falling
behind the engine between all the hoses and wires.

Looks good so far