Twin engine power steering question
11-30-2014, 04:27 PM
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Twin engine power steering question
I was looking over the engines in my new to me formula 242 and I noticed that although both engines ( merc 350s) have power steering pumps the port engine doesn't have a p/s belt, and the lines are joined to each other on the back of the engine. I don't see anything missing and no where does it look like a steering ram could mount on that side.. Any thoughts?
11-30-2014, 06:13 PM
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My guess would be if you lose the starboard engine you could move the belt to the port engine so you don't lose the ps.
I know in my boat I only have one ps pump on the starboard engine. If that engine dies I can still drive the boat but it is a bit more difficult.
I know in my boat I only have one ps pump on the starboard engine. If that engine dies I can still drive the boat but it is a bit more difficult.
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11-30-2014, 08:09 PM
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Sorry I wasn't clear the port engine lines pressure and return are joined to each other not hooked to anything.
Looks to have been that way from the factory.
Looks to have been that way from the factory.
11-30-2014, 08:46 PM
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My understanding is...... the engines come dressed from Merc with the PS acc installed. Merc doesn't know if that motor will go in a single or a twin engine boat. Or boat manufactures just order all motors fully equipped for less inventory????? When installed in a twin engine (or triple) the boat manufacture just connects the hoses together on the 1 motor and don't use the belt, while utilizing the PS setup on the 2nd motor. Most multiple engine boats only use 1 motor for steering. There are some that do use the steering acc. of both motors, which involve in a nut shell teeing both systems together, and using a proprietary valve. The advantage of this is when 1 motor dies, you still have PS, where as on your boat, if the motor that is being used for the PS dies, you gotta manhandle the steering wheel. In the mean time, you have a spare set of PS hoses, cooler, and pump.
1 boat (regardless of # of motors)=1 steering ram.
1 boat (regardless of # of motors)=1 steering ram.
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Last edited by US1 Fountain; 11-30-2014 at 09:28 PM.
