My boat is equipped with twin 4.3 Liter EFI Volvo engines with power assisted mechanical steering. On this arrangement only one engine is connected to the power assist unit. If this engine is shut down for single engine trolling, there is no power steering assist. This makes steering difficult and the amount of steering pressure required when using the non-power assisted engine precludes the use of the auto pilot. The non-power assist engine has a power steering pump and hoses but they do not connect to the power assist unit. I would like both engines to power the power assist unit, for single engine trolling and autopilot use with either engine. Can these hoses be connected to the power assist unit using 'tee' fittings so both engines can provide hydraulic fluid to the power assist unit? Would one way valves be needed so one system would not interfere with the other?<br />I am trying to minimize fuel use by trolling with one engine. Also I want to duplicate engine wear, hours and maintenance schedules in both engines by alternating between the two engines. I typically troll six hours and run three hours in one day.<br /><br />Thanks,
