Mercruiser 4.3 power steering pump empty

[Eric4479]

The steering of my Stingray 190RS '97 pulls hard when up at speed. After having it out several times several months after I bought it I had the idea to check the PS fluid level and found it empty. That was 2 years ago and I have just been living with it. Now, I'd like to fix it. Any guidelines on where to start? Should I just put fluid in and see what happens or is there a process like bleeding the air out, etc, that is required?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Could have an issue with your PS cooler

 

[alldodge]

Been running the pump dry for 2 years, going to need a new pump. Would fill it with fluid and see if you can find the leak with the old pump first

 

[Eric4479]

Thank you for the tips. I'll let you know how it turns out. BTW, where on the motor (Mercruiser 4.3L) is the PS pump cooler?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Under the portside motor mount, in the water hose comin' from the drive, goin' to the t-stat housin',.....

 

[Eric4479]

Thank you. I'll check it out tomorrow just to see where it's at. I'm in the middle of re-covering the floor so not quite ready to dive into that one.

 

[Scott Danforth]

normally if one is replacing the floor, they remove the motor.

 

[Eric4479]

I've been away from iBoats for a little while. I have not had much time to work on the boat and what time I had was slow progress. I'm not actually replacing the floor itself but the covering on the floor. I have another post where I am (was) trying to detail my (lack of) progress. I just now finished installing the carpet. I would have been better to deal with PS pump first but, oh well. Thank you for your interest and your feedback.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Rebuild kits for saginaw PS pumps are $11. New pumps (without reservoir) are $45

However you have to find the leak

 

[Eric4479]

Thanks. I haven't had it in the water yet due to the re-carpet job that turned into a little more. I'm anxious to get it out so I'll probably leave the pump until fall.