School me on the power steering on a boat with twin motors

[norcalLmo]

Hey Gang,
Currently working on my 1st Twin motor project - I have 2 stock 7.4l mpi with serpentine belt front pully system - I need direction on how to bypass one power steering pump/pulley with the existing serpentine system - is there a pulley tensioner that can replace one of the power steering pump pulley?
I'm a 'visual' kinda guy - any pics/part numbers would be greatly appreciated

 

[Shlbyntro]

Generally, the manufacturers just tie the 2 power steering lines on the port engine together via a coupler that comes from the factory. If you're looking for belt routing without the power steering pump in the mix you would have to refer to an inboard engine diagram.

I can get part numbers in the morning if needed. Are your engine MPI mags or Mpi L29 (vortec) motors?

 

[norcalLmo]

Wow - now THAT'S SERVICE right there!!! I have the MPI L29 310 hp -

 

[Shlbyntro]

Kk. Will get pn's for you in the am.

 

[norcalLmo]

Great Thanks!!

 

[BDMar]

You definitely want both power steering pumps working. If the engine with the only pump goes down, its a nightmare around the dock or putting on the trailer

 

[Runs2rch]

You definitely want both power steering pumps working. If the engine with the only pump goes down, its a nightmare around the dock or putting on the trailer

Seemed most older twin setups only ran a pump on the starboard engine right?

 

[guest hs]

Usually the stbd. pump is what runs the system and the port is not hooked up to anything except the lines run in a loop.

 

[Shlbyntro]

Unless you're running full hydraulic external steering, the port pump does nothing. Haven't forgot about you. I'm delivering 310 Sundancer right now. Will hop on parts net when I get back to the office

 

[ka0tyk]

You definitely want both power steering pumps working. If the engine with the only pump goes down, its a nightmare around the dock or putting on the trailer

is that a twin thing? ive ran a single drive without the pump hooked up. low speed/docking wasnt really an issue at all, but once the rpms go up it would pull the steering wheel to the side and you'd have to wrestle it.

 

[norcalLmo]

No worries and THANKS for the info

 

[Shlbyntro]

Belt part number is 57-865615Q07

Routing is the exact same as with the power steering pump. Just dont go around the pump pulley

 

[BDMar]

is that a twin thing? ive ran a single drive without the pump hooked up. low speed/docking wasnt really an issue at all, but once the rpms go up it would pull the steering wheel to the side and you'd have to wrestle it.

Yes. That's what he was asking about, and my response refers to "wanting both pumps"

 

[norcalLmo]

Belt part number is 57-865615Q07

Routing is the exact same as with the power steering pump. Just dont go around the pump pulley

Copy That!!!! So just to clarify - I just leave the PS pump in place - plug and tie up the hoses that are not connected and use the new 'shorter' belt to bypass the deleted PS pulley.
*keeping the deleted P/S unit in place could be used as a spare/replacement if the operable one fails?

 

[Shlbyntro]

I'd take it off and throw it on a shelf if you're going through the trouble of deleting it the right way. But yes, just a new shorter belt and you're golden. You can leave the power steering cooler in place and just flush the power steering fluid out of it when you remove the lines

 

[guest hs]

Make sure there is fluid in the pump if the belt is spinning it.

 

[norcalLmo]

I'd take it off and throw it on a shelf if you're going through the trouble of deleting it the right way. But yes, just a new shorter belt and you're golden. You can leave the power steering cooler in place and just flush the power steering fluid out of it when you remove the lines

GREAT info and HUGE THANKS I really appreciate your help!

 

[spectras only]

You should get a hyd helm pump and use IMCO's valve running external rams for steering.page 85 > http://www.imcomarine.com/nvcatalog/imco_catalog.pdf

I run my starboard PS pump to assist the external rams with cable steering, the Port S/P is looped.

Mercruiser used to have a priority valve kit that's no longer available.Wonder if there's one collecting dust on someone's shelf. https://www.perfprotech.com/mercury...e-kit-power-steering79691a1/assembly/8505/560

https://www.mercruiserparts.com/79691a1-priority-valve-kt

Also, Latham's twin pump valve #VALV-3175 maybe still available?
https://www.parttarget.com/4820-01-...75.html/-61662BE9-061D-47D4-8FA8-82BEA1758E70