Power steering conversion

[ericcarr2000]

I currently have a larson boat with a 3.7 mercruiser that does not have power steering on it and was wondering if there was anything else I needed to purchase to convert it over to power steering. I have the power steering pump itself, valve assembly with lines, fluid cooler and belt. Also what is involved in installing this on her.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Power steering conversion

I currently have a larson boat with a 3.7 mercruiser that does not have power steering on it and was wondering if there was anything else I needed to purchase to convert it over to power steering. I have the power steering pump itself, valve assembly with lines, fluid cooler and belt. Also what is involved in installing this on her.

Ayuh,.... It sounds like ya got the parts,...
Ya just mount the unit to the end of the cable, run yer lines to the pump...
The cooler goes in the in-comin' waterline, where ever it's handy for ya...
(they're handy fer catchin' blown impeller pieces)

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Power steering conversion

The cooler goes in the in-comin' waterline, where ever it's handy for ya...

Actually in the 3.7 (470) closed cooling system, the cooler goes in the (vertical) outgoing line between the exchanger outlet and the exhaust elbow fitting. That way the cooler can drain when the exchanger is drained for the winter. The exchanger catches all those impeller pieces.

 

[ericcarr2000]

Re: Power steering conversion

So do I need to remove the outdrive, or the motor to do this then?

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Power steering conversion

So do I need to remove the outdrive, or the motor to do this then?

That depends on your access to the inner transom to attach the valve unit behind the engine. Don't see any reason to remove the outdrive, but not a bad idea to know how to do it for routine maintenance. Go up to the info sticky and take a look at the alpha 1 service manual #6 I think, it will tell you how to set up and test the PS, section 6. Good luck.

 

[ericcarr2000]

Re: Power steering conversion

As far as getting to the inner transom plate, theres plenty of room for that. Will I need to remove the inner transom plate to mount the valve, or does it go on the outside of the transom plate?

That depends on your access to the inner transom to attach the valve unit behind the engine. Don't see any reason to remove the outdrive, but not a bad idea to know how to do it for routine maintenance. Go up to the info sticky and take a look at the alpha 1 service manual #6 I think, it will tell you how to set up and test the PS, section 6. Good luck.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Power steering conversion

I am way out of my league here, maybe someone else can give a better answer (wish my boat was here LOL), but it looks like the actuator attaches directly to the plate with a couple o pins or bolts, does not look like you have to remove anything. Do you have the attaching bolts?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Power steering conversion

As far as getting to the inner transom plate, theres plenty of room for that. Will I need to remove the inner transom plate to mount the valve, or does it go on the outside of the transom plate?

Naw, the plate don't come off,...
Look at the aluminum tube at the end of the cable/ tiller arm...
Basically, ya pull the tube, 'n bolt the actuator to it's mounts...

 

[mr300z87]

Re: Power steering conversion

I recently had to remove and replace the steering ram on my 5.7 l v8. It was not easy but was able to do it with the engine in place. The worst part was getting the locking tabs on the lower mounting bolt bent away so I could remove the bolts. Good luck