merc. power steering

[fission]

I have a 91 Thompson with twin 4.3 Alpha 1's, I am looking at installing a Simrad AP12 autopilot, but will have to change my rack/pinion steering system to a rotary set up. My concern is with the cable steering and only the starboard having power steering, I am afraid the unit will really have to work when I am trolling on the port engine, my question is , can power steering be added to the port eng. ? What will have to be done for check valves etc.. maybe this isn't even possible, I guess maybe thats why it didn't come from the factory. Would I be better off to add a Sea Star hydraulic system ?

 

[achris]

Re: merc. power steering

Merc do a great priority kit. Basically you have a steeering pump on both engines and the slave ram on, in this case, the starboard engine. The system uses whichever pump is available, automatically. Too easy!<br /><br />Chris...........

 

[fission]

Re: merc. power steering

Any idea what the Kit part numbers are and where I can find them ??

 

[Don S]

Re: merc. power steering

The kit part number is 79691A 1, however, it's on the NLA list from Mercruiser, so you may have to start checking dealers to find if they have a kit on hand. They list for about $1060.