Power steering

[Pirate Lady]

Apparently its losing fluid. Can a auto unit work or must it be a marine unit? Not electrical like alternator so I’m guessing any auto rebuilt one would work and be cheapest.
I don’t see any fluid in bilge; wherelse can it be going?

 

[Bill Curtis]

Depends on which unit, but I have changed the PS pump (Mercruiser 16792A39) out using the '90 Chevy 2500 5.0 7200lb pickup truck (FENCO #18710201 ) into the mercruiser pump housing.

Only thing that needs to swap over is the relief valve. They are the same casting number and the Fenco is FAR cheaper, just not black.

 

[Stray Current]

if you’re losing fluid and it’s not in the bilge it’s probably the cooler leaking. The steering fluid pressure is higher than water pressure so it likely is only leaking out without water coming in

Mine certainly looks like a generic gm pump from the 80s. Can’t say for sure if it’s a direct swap to anything. If the power steering is working I’d pressure test the cooler first before changing the pump

 

[Stray Current]

Stray, i have raw water cooled. Whats this cooler?

There is a power steering cooler that is in line between your pump and where your raw water enters the engine. I’m not sure what engine model you have because that doesn’t populate on the mobile site but if I remember correctly, you have a big block. it’s probably on the back behind the distributor. It will have an inch and a quarter hose in and out And two 3/8 hoses in and out on the sides

 

[Bill Curtis]

Follow the main line out of the raw water pump. The 1st thing connected to that hose is the PS and / or oil cooler.
Mine is way down by the oil pan rail on block on port side. B***CH to get at.