Power Steering Pump Hose "Combiner" - Where Do I Get One?

[JoLin]

Hi, guys. My port engine (2012 4.3 Gen+ Reman) is equipped with a power steering pump, but that engine doesn't provide the power assist to the steering. My starboard engine does. In any event, on the port engine Merc took the simple step of screwing the ends of the two hoses from and to the pump, into a hollow metal 'block' so that fluid can circulate through thehoses and pump.

I recently disabled the PS from the other (starboard), and I'm looking for that same 'block' to tie those 2 hoses together. The other engine's PS system is circa 1992.

Does anyone know the correct name, description, part number of the piece I'm looking for?

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would look up the power steering systems for your year and find the block, or replace the pressure regulator valve in the can-o-ham pump with one modified to build less than 50 psi and simply tie the two hoses together. A section of brake line and a small hose would work.

Here is an article on the Saginaw pumps that may help. http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/1209cct-perfect-power-steering/

 

[JoLin]

Cannot find the piece in any parts lookup, nor via a google search on the terms I used in my post. If I can't find it, I'll just leave the drive belt off. I'd like to use that pulley, though, as it provides a second belt to drive the water circulating pump.

Thanks, Scott, but I'm not interested in dismounting and disassembling the pump at this time. I just want to be able to bypass the (leaking) actuator until the off season.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Your circulating pump only needs one belt

 

[JoLin]

Yes, I know it operates on one belt. Been running that way for the past week. However, I do have a week-long 'voyage' coming up, and would like to have the redundancy of a second belt. I was hoping that one of the certified mechanics would know about the fitting I described, and could lead me to it.

 

[Bondo]

I recently disabled the PS from the other (starboard), and I'm looking for that same 'block' to tie those 2 hoses together. The other engine's PS system is circa 1992.

Ayuh,.... Are ya runnin' without P/S, or ya switched motors/ drives,..??

If ya switched motors/ drives, use the fittin' for the other motor,....
Or,....
Make one,....
Take the fittin' outa the leakin' tiller unit, screw it into a short pipe, then a hose barb on the other end,...
Or,...
Pull both fittin's outa the leakin' tiller unit, 'n screw each into ends of a pipe coupler fittin',....

There'll be no pressure to worry 'bout, hose clamps are all ya need on the return side anyways,....

 

[JoLin]

Pull both fittin's outa the leakin' tiller unit, 'n screw each into ends of a pipe coupler fittin',....

There'll be no pressure to worry 'bout, hose clamps are all ya need on the return side anyways,....

That's the rub- the 'pipe coupler fitting'... I think that's pretty much what's on the other engine. A short metal tube tapped at both ends for the hose ends that normally screw into the actuator. Merc put it there, so it has to be available somewhere. I just can't find it. As far as making my own, I don't know what I need to do that. Types of fittings (thread type)? Sizes? Not familiar with hydraulic assemblies and kind of at a loss.

Yeah, I'm running without PS and it's working out okay. I want to get through the rest of the season before I attempt to pull the PS out and either track down the leak or remove the system from the boat.

 

[Bondo]

I don't know what I need to do that. Types of fittings (thread type)? Sizes?

Ayuh,.... So pull the fittin' from the actuator, 'n Id the threads,... probably 1/4" pipe,....

My older actuator is 3/8" brake line fittin's, on the hose end, 'n 1/4" pipe on the actuator side I believe,.......

 

[Scott Danforth]

AutoZone has inverted flare to pipe adapters. The Saginaw pump output is inverted flare.

 

[JoLin]

Thanks for the advice, guys. Was hoping not to have to go shopping for the right parts to fit the hose ends (they're 2 different sizes) and combine them.

Hard to believe I can't find the lousy coupler that Merc puts on new engines. Doesn't appear in a single parts diagram I can find. Frustrating.

Anyway, thanks again.