Twin PS pump Manifold, installation issues!
 

Hello all,

This forum has been very helpful so far, so I hope that continues. I have twin 572's in my 47 foot Wellcraft Excalibur. It has been suggested to me to use a Twin Power Steering pump Manifold. I have the manifold installed, and have follow the installation instructions. The goal was to allow either engine to provide power to the internal steering systems. This was step one of many to provide support for a yet to be installed external steering system. My question: When I run just one engine, the non-running engine seems to get high pressure fluid pushed into the pump and it sprays fluid everywhere. Maybe I should not be using this manifold at all? Is there a better way to support my goals? What might I have done wrong with the install?

Please advise! Thanks

Here is the manifold Im using:
https://www.hardin-marine.com/p-7441...-manifold.aspx

Here is the manufactures site for same:
ZEIGER TWIN PUMP PRIORITY MANIFOLD WITH BUILT IN FILTER - 1002076

-j

Where does the fluid come out , do you have a common return tank that each pump gets it fluid from ?

Thanks for the prompt reply!

The fluid is coming out the vent cap on the pump. Im using these pumps:
https://www.hardin-marine.com/p-1461...mount-kit.aspx

I dont have a common return tank, is that the possible reason for this issue?

This is how it should be hooked up

I believe that is your problem you have a place for the extra fluid to go

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...1c4a4437a.jpeg

Makes sense. My past rigger seems to think otherwise. I'm trying to clean up his mess. Leon Derbery is his name, and I paid for his experience in this industry and his expertise. Both seems to be lacking quite a bit.

thanks for helping me out on this. I have those instructions as well, and expressed my concerns with Leon, but he claims the return tank is not needed. Apparently this is not true. Just one more thing to be frustrated by.

I'll keep you posted on this.

Thanks!
-j

Put the bottle on and you will be good. Have the same set up in my boat.

I think once you put the tank on all your pump leaks will go away

Derbery, that rings a bell........:grinser010:

Perfect, thanks!

Thanks!!!!

I think too I need to block off the return line into the pumps and use these caps plumbed to the tank. Here is the tank and the caps:
Tank
https://www.hardin-marine.com/vsearc...hTerm=137-9050

Caps
https://www.hardin-marine.com/p-14617-billet-aluminum-power-steering-reservoir-dump-cap.aspx


That is what Hardin suggests anyway. But many thanks for everyone's help!

Maybe I can take her for a spin this weekend......

-j

Curious, for your hydraulic steering, is it only one power steering pump needed?....I have twin 572 cu in. & only one is mounted to one engine with an overflow / fill container next to it.

You only need one for the system to work but if the engine with the power steering fails it is tough to steer

I think he left the gate unlocked...

Or left the key under the welcome mat.....:cartman:

The new tank and plumbing was a bear to get done, and finding a spot for the tank was a lot of fun, but it seems that all was as advertised! Worked like a charm! I can run just one engine, and no issues with oil pushing out into the bilge.

Thanks to all here for you advice and help.

Now to continue to DE-Leon-ize the rest of the rigging.

-j

Well it works just fine no leaks, but now the steering is rather "jerky". The tank seems to have a bit of foam. I have double checked all of the connections, and all seems fine. Had a someone else check the routing and all seems correct. I spun the wheel about 15 times each way, but the symptoms remain. I will keep all posted, but hopefully, it is either just air in the system, or maybe some water got in. I going to flush the fluid, and replace this weekend unless someone has a better idea.

Thanks again to all!