Merc 228/260 power steering

[cantaris]

I have a complete outdrive prop to coupler. I just realized that it has power steering. I did not receive the power steering pump or hoses. I have a cooler and that is it. 1st is power steering absolutely neccessary for this boat?
2nd Does power steering help keep the boat on a straight track with hands off the steering wheel? 3rd Can I get a replacement pump from the junk yard and then buy the required Merc hose? Do I need a different steering setup or can I use the system that is in the boat now?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc 228/260 power steering

Ayuh,...

1) Nope...
2) Ayuh, it'll make life Much more enjoyable...
3) The pumps may, or may not be the same,+ the bracketry will probably be Different on a car...
4) The existing cable will work with it, yes,...

 

[betayv]

Re: Merc 228/260 power steering

hi there I have a 1978 cruiser barnegat with a 228 and when I bought the boat the pump wasnt working I installed a new pump and then the steering actuator start leaking so I disconect the pump and use the boat for a year without the pump and not problem at all inspect your cable be sure is in good condition, but like bond o said make your life more easy.

 

[Epliett]

Re: Merc 228/260 power steering

Hi, I to have a 1978 cruiser with a 350/260, My first project boat. I'm rebuilding the engine, an i'm at the point where I to have a power steering question. I think i have all the parts, but i'm not sure which hoses from the pump go where. theres a power steering cooler too. one of the hoses at the pump has been cut off. Would anyone have a picture, or a diagram of the hookup? I have books but they don't show good pictures.
Thanks ED Hope I didn't intrude on this thread.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc 228/260 power steering

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard Ed,...

Head on up to the Adults Only section at the top of this forum,...
There's a Treasure Trove of Info up there,+you can downloada copy of the factory service manual for your rig,...
You'll find pictures in the manuals,...

Good Luck,.... Your's is a Big file,.. Huge,... Give it plenty of Time...

 

[Epliett]

Re: Merc 228/260 power steering

Thanks Bond-o. for your guildance.
ED

 

[cantaris]

Re: Merc 228/260 power steering

I read in another thread that the fittings for trim hoses is the same as brake line fittings. Is this true? If it is , then are the power steering pressure lines from the pump to the steering ram the same? If so then I should be able to go to a brake shop and have them make me a hose, right? That is if boat pump are standard then I can get a pump at a junk yard