Having a power steering issue. I Installed a 1996 454 Mag MPI in a boat that previously had a 1988 454 mag. I had to switch the power steering pump and lines from the previous engine to the new so the old fittings would attach to the steering actuator.

The problem I am having is pressure building up on the low pressure return line. First it blew a hole in the line, thought maybe it got pinched on install. I spliced it, and it blew another hole. Replaced the line from my splice to the cooler and it blows the splice apart. It sounds like an air hose being removed from a compressor when it blows-there is that much pressure. As I am filling the fluid in the pump when running it seems to be foaming, then the line blows, sprays fluid all over and I get to clean it up again.

What am I missing? Its impossible to hook the lines up backwards.

Steve

you should not be able to easily, the pressure line is the threaded line that screws into what looks like a big nut on back of pump, the return should just be a slip on nipple. now not sure on the valve if you crossed there or not, but should only go one way thread size wise. make sure you use P/S hose for the return(not fuel line) and the splice is correct size. should be be able to fill the pump, start for 10 sec's shut down refill, do that 2-3 times should be good, never heard of that much pressure on the return side

So did you go from a v belt to a serpentine? Is the pump turning clockwise when viewed from the front? Just a thought...

It was v-belt on both motors. I pulled the lines off the cooler, have a hard time getting air to blow through the cooler. Must be an obstruction. The pump I took off was pretty sloppy, maybe it was coming apart and the pieces got stuck in the cooler. I will replace the cooler and go from there.I am so tired of cleaning up fluid!!!

I think I have a used ps cooler if u need it

Thanks for the cooler offer, but I fixed it. Pulled the cooler off, only thing I can figure is it must have froze at some point. The inner tube looks to have pushed up and blocked the openings to the nipples (hate when that happens), you could barely get air to blow through it. I took a drift and tapped it down a bit and now works perfect.

Yup plugged nipples no good, lol