power steering

[joerileyii]

Ive looked and cant find the answer for this one. i just bought a 290 with twin 4.3L I had trouble with the starboard engine cutout switch that causes the engine to die as you shift. That problem I have fixed "I think" but thats when I found out my power steering is only on the starbord engine. The port has a power steering pump by no belt. Is this a normal arrangment or do I have a problem?

 

[j-d]

Common for only one engine to have a pump and hoses to the steering gear. The ones I've seen had a pump bracket but not a pump on the second engine.

 

[joerileyii]

thanks I was wondering. I was thinking next season of switching the belt over just to make sure it works. It has fluid I think I will also buy some extra belts to keep on the boat would hate to have a simple belt break ruin a good day.

 

[DeeVee]

I'd make sure those hoses are there and hooked up too before I put the belt on and start it up, it'd be a mess if there are no hoses.

 

[Brite Idea]

Joe,
I'm guessing that you don't have a serpentine belt setup. Later models with the serpentine belt power the pump, the hoses are looped high pressure to low so the the fluid just recirculates. Merc decided that it was easier to build them all the same and just not use the second power steering pump. The good news is you have a spare if you need it.
Rob

 

[joerileyii]

no serpentine. thats cool spare is better thn my initial thoughts of the port one went bad and they removed the belt. thank you all for the information.