Power steering leak

cls10105 · May 9

Hello everyone, I just read a message about a power steering problem and it reminded me of my own power steering problem. I have a leak my reservoir is either empty or almost every time I go to the boat. Would this just be a problem with the reservoir or something else?

Does anyone know what reservoir it would be?

2002 342 Fiesta Vee
Thanks for any and all help!!!
charles

aero3113 · May 9

Do you see any power steering fluid in the bilge? If yes, could be the pump, loose hose or cracked hose. Also, there’s a power steering cooler mounted on the back of the engine, it could be leaking internally and the fluid is going out into the lake/bay.

cls10105 · May 9

Yes I do see it in the bilge.

YYZRC · May 9

Which motor? I’d it’s your port motor, just install a shorter belt and bypass the pulley. If it’s the starboard motor, swap the reservoirs and do the shorter belt.

cls10105 · May 9

It’s the starboard motor but I am really confused about installing a shorter belt and bypass the pulley.

aero3113 · May 9

The shorter belt conversion is for the port engine pump. It’s not used for steering, it’s just pumping in a loop. It can be removed if needed.

cls10105 · May 11

So would this be for all the parts for power steering or just for the reservoir?

Do you know what belt would be a replacement?

I have not done anything like that before or most of this stuff on here is why ask all the questions.

Formulaben · May 11

Here is an example of what @aero3113 is trying to explain. This is for a water pump conversion where the stock pump is replaced by a crank driven pump. You would be doing the same, except bypassing the power steering pulley, labelled "F" in the diagram. The way to figure out what size belt is to take some string and run it around the pullies and get an overall length with the tensioner at its slack position. That would be your minimum size belt; add about 1/2" so you have just a bit of slack. Take that measurement to your local auto parts place can get you a Gates belt that will be withing 1/2" size or so.

Image: https://i.ibb.co/spHSYhKX/Belt-routing-old.jpg

cls10105 · May 11

Thank you

YYZRC · May 11

I believe this is the belt I used on my 377 motor to bypass the power steering pulley. Gates K061015.

davidbrooks · May 12

As a guy that wrestled with power steering pump issues for a while i might offer another idea...replace the leaking pump. Your power steering is just run off the starboard engine. Consider your port engine possible emergency replacement parts for a pump, and belt. Both of which if they go out on your SB engine can make your day rough. Dont believe me. Try docking with just the port engine running. I had to do it a few times and i don't recommend it. Your boat is at that age where you should expect to be replacing parts that are just worn out.

If you are so inclined you can get a replacement pump off of amazon for $100. You then have to just swap over the pulley. Gonna have to rent a tool to pull off the pulley and press it back on. Be very careful that you get your washers and bolts back in where they came out and that the pulley is really well lined up. A 4ft and a 2ft level are great for checking that. If they aren't then the belt will walk off and shred with higher RPM's.

I used to keep an extra belt on the boat just in case and had to use it. It isn't fun to replace that over a hot engine with the boat rocking but it is better than being towed in.

rasbury · May 13

But where is it leaking? The pump on my 350 was a gm Saginaw pump- I think for an older pick up as it did go bad...my leak was at the cooler on the back side of the motor. The tubing for the cooler is very soft brass- and the temp gauge is threaded into it and mine had busted off-PO had glued it back on which failed . It was a thing also! Have not read on this thread where the leak actually is.

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