im Trying to figure out now what is going on with my power steering pump, I have installed 4 pumps and still have issues. When I turn clock wise I can use one finger to turn the wheel, when I turn counter clock wise it is so f n hard and the engine wants to bogg down and stall (die). I just can’t understand what’s is happening. I bought boat with it not hooked up cause last owner had no luck either . And to run this boat u definitely need power steering. Please help here, I’m at my wits end here, it’s a 1978 454’s . Any pics or what am I missing here , thank you if u like to text me pics or help of info 206-409-5935 chris

Is it full hydro steering ? are you sure you have the high pressure and return lines in the correct place, how are you bleeding air from the system

Assuming ext steering, hyd cylinder with leaky piston seal? Try disconnecting outdrive ends of hyd cylinders and secure the cyls so the rams don't hit anything when they move. Then try steering (with pump turning) and see what the hyd cyls do. They should react opposite to each other.

Some of the older P/S pumps (like mine) have an hex opening on the end of the pulley shaft. I was able to cut-off a 3/8" (I think it was 3/8") allen wrench abt 2" long and chuck it up in a 1/2" drill. That's how I bled my system in the shop after installing ext steering. I was able to wedge the drill in a way where I didn't have to hold it. Put ty-wrap around trigger and I was free to turn the wheel back and forth. Might need a helper if you can't wedge drill in place.