Power steering question.....short or long water pump pulley
 

Hello all.

I'm trying to piece together a 502 power steering system. I have a three groove crank pulley and I'm running a three "v" belt system. One belt for the seawater pump, one belt for the alternator and one belt for the power steering pump.

I'm using a port side power steering and alternator combo mounting bracket. No engine circulating water pump. (Crossover instead)

My questions are:

Do I need a power steering pulley for a "short" or "long" water pump to achieve proper pulley alignment?

Should I use a press fit or a key way fit power steering pump? Is one design better?

Is it preferable to use a billet aluminum pulley or a steel pulley?

Any insight would be much appreciated as I need to place an order for my power steering pump and pulley.

Thanks, rob

when merc set most up they used mostly GM pulleys but not all, they all used a short water pump setup, I would use a std press on pulley as none of the later ones I ever messed with used the nut/key style. also if you end up going with a new pump at some point will be a press style...hope this helps..Rob

I'm buying a new pump and pulley. Both, press fit and Keyway are available as are steel and billet aluminum pulleys.

I've heard that the aluminum pulleys are prone to failure. Anyone know if this is true?

Thanks for the replies guys.

Come on fellas. Everyone here has a power steering pump.

Any other insight on pulleys and pumps?

i used the alumunum press fit pullys on one of my boats with no problem.teague sells them all.

Thanks mike.

just try to get a press fit aluminum after been on for a period of time...