Alpha 1 Gen 1 Mercruiser power steering

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Brando33

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Hi all, searched the internet until my age changed and searched this forum. Has anyone found a place where I can either get a new assembly or the seal kits? This thing is buggering up my engine bay.
PS booster 57969A12, seal kit is 25-58224A1
PS Valve 816458A1, seal kit is 25-58225A1
I did find a post where someone swapped a corvette valve cylinder and booster from NAPA. of course the valve cylinder is NLA. Curious if anyone else has done the same.
 
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Brando33

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Lou C

Lou C

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I think the control valves on those (my Cobra has the same thing) were the same as the Corvette and Ford Unit body models (Mustangs, Fairlanes, etc) but the hydraulic cylinders were different, however the seals might be the same. I wound up being able to find some NOS parts as spares but picked up a good used unit from Ebay and installed it back in September. This one looked new and works fine. My old one all of the sudden started leaking like crazy.
This job on my boat was not easy but do-able, I had to remove the seats, and exhaust for access, on the OMC version there are 2 big cotter pins holding in those big bolts that hold the actuator to the transom mount, these are bear to remove, the Merc version uses a lock plate instead, don't know if that is easier or harder or the same to remove, I had to use a cotter pin puller to get those out. The 2 smaller ones on the clevis (one for the steering arm one for the cable) are tough to get out and re-install because you are working upside down. Easily a 4 f-bomb job I'd say. Mainly because of the 4 cotter pins from HELL! The rest not bad.
steerng actuator removal.jpgsteering actuator intalled.jpgcotter pin extractor.jpg
 
Lou C

Lou C

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PS,
if you need the cylinder and can't get one, or can't fix the one you have, I have heard (but am not sure) that the newer style actuator for the Alpha 1 Gen 2 can be used, the hydraulic fittings could be different, but I think probably one of the Merc gurus around here would know. Same thing with the Cobra, this old style with the separate control valve and cylinder connected by the metal hydraulic lines can be replaced with the newer style that is an integral unit, OMC switched to this in 1990, I'm guessing that whoever made the originals (Bendix? Saginaw?) quit making the old style then.
 
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Brando33

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Lou C said:
PS,
if you need the cylinder and can't get one, or can't fix the one you have, I have heard (but am not sure) that the newer style actuator for the Alpha 1 Gen 2 can be used, the hydraulic fittings could be different, but I think probably one of the Merc gurus around here would know. Same thing with the Cobra, this old style with the separate control valve and cylinder connected by the metal hydraulic lines can be replaced with the newer style that is an integral unit, OMC switched to this in 1990, I'm guessing that whoever made the originals (Bendix? Saginaw?) quit making the old style then.
Click to expand...
Yikes that does look like a few F-bombs worth. Luckily I have the engine hanging because I changed my motor mounts and transom plate seal. So access required zero F-bombs. Today, I bought the previously mentioned control valve #401-0101 and seals for the cylinder #25-58226A1 on ebay. So we will see.
 
Lou C

Lou C

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On modern boats with some you might have to pull the engine to do this job.
 
Rick Stephens

Rick Stephens

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I think I can pull my motor in an hour. Reinstall in close the same amount of time. That sounds easier than a four f bomber day.
 
Lou C

Lou C

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I wish I had the equipment to do that, just not practical for me. Live in crowded suburban NY. Not much room in driveway, small garage etc.
That job is all about the way the boat is set up. Old school boats with wood divider panels you can get stuff out of the way, new boats with all the built in 'glass round the rear seating are a nightmare. On some boats, the bottom bolt can be tough to turn due to lack of clearance with the exhaust Y pipe. On my Cobra it was fine there.
My brother has a 2021 Chapparal and its tough to do anything besides an oil change, tune up etc. I have to figure out a way to get down in there to grease the steering cable and the coupler. Might have to remove the rear sun pad and hang upside down, lol.
 
Lou C

Lou C

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If you search on classic Mustang & Corvette sites they explain how to rebuild these units the right way.
 
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