Twin 5.0 alphas,2 power steering pumps?

[crazy charlie]

I am embarrassed to not know the answer to my question.I am aware that with twins ,only one ps pump is functional.Does the extra pump need to have ps fluid ?? I have had twins for a long time and never checked.Replaced one motor this spring and it started to chirp/squeak yesterday from the pulley area.Its a vortec motor and the only thing I was able to notice is that the pulley on the ps pump(non essential one ) was pretty hot to the touch and res was empty.Pretty hard to tell where the noise was coming from as it is inconsistent in both sound and frequency.A little confused right now.Charlie

 

[Bt Doctur]

Yes, you need PS fluid in both of them, the stbd is active and the port in in by-pass, connected together at the rear of the motor

 

[achris]

There should be a valve assembly that both pumps connect to. It's called a 'priority valve'...

 

[crazy charlie]

There should be a valve assembly that both pumps connect to. It's called a 'priority valve'...

I dont think I have that .This is an older setup .Im sure my port motor powers the ps.Will have a closer look tomorrow.I am on the thought of the empty stbd ps pump is making the noise.Charlie

 

[achris]

I dont think I have that .This is an older setup .Im sure my port motor powers the ps.Will have a closer look tomorrow.I am on the thought of the empty stbd ps pump is making the noise.Charlie

Empty pump will kill the pump. Not only is the fluid the hydraulic medium (for moving the steering ram), it's also the lubricant.

After you replace the pump, and fill it, make sure the pressure and return houses are joined together, NOT closed off. Those are a fixed displacement pump, and dead-heading them is just as bad...

Chris...

 

[crazy charlie]

Guess I will fill the pump and hope for the best.thats probably where the god aweful squeak/squeel,chirp,grinding noise is coming from.Charlie

 

[tank1949]

There should be a valve assembly that both pumps connect to. It's called a 'priority valve'...

Something I just learned! THX! I would have expected that the second pump was some sort of backup usage.

 

[crazy charlie]

I filled the empty ps pump and squeak is gone.This motor was replaced just prior to this season and I am upset at the boatyard that sold me the motor and did the install leaving the pump dry but I am more mad at myself for not double checking something like that.Will trace the lines tomorrow.The one obvious line is attached to the ps cooler.Charlie

 

[Scott Danforth]

Rebuild kit for a saginaw pump is under $15

 

[achris]

A complete new pump is under a hundred...

 

[crazy charlie]

A complete new pump is under a hundred...

Thanks,I guess I will play it by ear for now and maybe I got lucky.Its an 02 5.0 vortec carb,where have you seen them for that cheap?? Charlie

 

[Lou C]

I'm still running my orginal P/S pump but picked up a spare reman unit off of ebay for about $150. Hope you don't have to change the steering actuator. Not a fun job. I just did mine last month, lasted 33 years so I can't complain. This is the older Bendix style one used by Merc and OMC till about 1990. They are actually rebuildable unlike the later ones (well Merc and Volvo say you can't but some have done it).

 

[Scott Danforth]

Thanks,I guess I will play it by ear for now and maybe I got lucky.Its an 02 5.0 vortec carb,where have you seen them for that cheap?? Charlie

the pump is a GM Sagninaw pump. you only need to replace the pump ($48 from local parts store) or rebuild

same pump as mid 90's GM trucks (different reservoir)