Toss my power steering or get creative?

[dukeofwsu]

So, plugging along this weekend on my swap of an old 305 to a new 350. Here's a little background on my 22' Glasply cabin cruiser--bought a new Kodiak Marine TBI 350 complete from belts to bellhousing for a very good price, pulled my 1978 305 merc 898 out, and started fitting parts. Solved the coupler and flywheel clearance issues with a little help from the guys on this forum.

On to the next challenges. #1. Given that my new engine is complete with manifolds, FWC, and alternator mounted up, I can't find a way to fit my power steering pump on the engine and still have room to close the doghouse. I want to use my new manifolds, so the merc alternator mount isn't an option. Should I scrap the PS system and go manual? I looks like it's only a couple parts to replace (18-22 on the schematic) Maybe replace with a non-power assist hydraulic option from Teleflex? Thoughts?

#2. The new engine is TBI, I'm having the ECU reprogramed with a shift interrupt program from the manufacturer, but I'm not sure if they'll be able to tell me how to interface with the Mercruiser switch. I assume they will, but how's it usually done?

Thanks,

 

[Bondo]

Re: Toss my power steering or get creative?

but I'm not sure if they'll be able to tell me how to interface with the Mercruiser switch. I assume they will, but how's it usually done?

Ayuh,... Your shift switch is normally Open, 'n Closes on shift...
I believe the newer 1s are just the opposite...

Ask the Manufactuer how they do it... N/O, or N/C....

As for the power steering,...
Without it, the torque tab adjustments will be Important, 'n prop changes may help, or make things worse...
Full helm hydraulic steering is a Nice up-grade though...

 

[dukeofwsu]

Re: Toss my power steering or get creative?

Yeah, I don't want a helm that goes hard over every time I pick up my beer, that could lead to spilling. I run Bennett trim tabs 'cause there's no such thing as normal trim on the boat. Gear, people, dogs, etc., always moving around. I assume I'll never be able to let go of the wheel if I ditch the PS?

If I did go to a hydraulic, I suppose I'd go for a teleflex non-power assist version, because I'll be scrapping my pump. But they look a little spendy, too, $1400 at last look. Any other ideas in the same line but more budget oriented?

 

[dan t.]

Re: Toss my power steering or get creative?

The logical answer would be to modify the doghouse to clear the P/S pump, clearly the cheapest way to go and still keep the P/S system

 

[dukeofwsu]

Re: Toss my power steering or get creative?

The logical answer would be to modify the doghouse to clear the P/S pump, clearly the cheapest way to go and still keep the P/S system

Well, not really...
I'd have to fabricate a mount and a tensioner, scrap my perfect gel-coat w/ original logo doghouse, cut into the already small path to the transom on either side of the engine, loose my custom fitting, stock to the original boat upholstery, build a new doghouse, the list goes on...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Toss my power steering or get creative?

Ayuh,... I've never had 1, but a No feedback helm might be want ya need....

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Toss my power steering or get creative?

I've owned boats that if you turn loose the wheel will spill your beer- they are no fun. try to work it out.

 

[rthomas]

Re: Toss my power steering or get creative?

Could you space the dog house from the transom? assuming yours has the fold down panel in the back the way most GP's do it would be easy to do without looking cheesy, I'm sure you'll miss your ps if you didnt have it.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Toss my power steering or get creative?

Assuming they are not rusty garbage, I would swap ALL of the front dress off the 898 on to new engine, and simply adapt the Kodiak alternator to the Merc brackets...