This weekend I heard an awful noise in the rear of the boat and it turns out that my PLASTIC power steering pulley had shattered into 5 pieces and was scattered about the engine compartment. Is this a common power steering component failure? I am still able to turn the shaft on the pump with my fingers and everything seems OK. As far as the rest of the engine, when running, the belt itself turns the other components and is not damaged or frayed, but I hear a chattering noise. (Maybe due to the lack of tension in the belt?) Needless to say the day was over so I went back to the dock slowly while monitoring the temperature. It never went above 155 degrees. I called the dealer and they want $88.50 for a pulley kit to install in a 97 4.3L Merc Alpha (LX Gen+). Part Number 57-861758-A1. The description does not show that a blet comes with it, and even if it did this seems outrageous to replace a 4 3/4" (6 Groove serpentine) PLASTIC PULLEY for your typical Saginaw GM P/S pump. Can you experienced Mercury mariners let me know if I can get a 4 3/4" pulley from an alternative location? I called a few auto parts stores and they didn't have pulleys with matching diameters. (Either an inch too small or too big) Im sure I do not want to change pulley diameters, as that will affect the rotational speed of the P/S pump, and my ability to properly tension the belt. Am I going to have to "take it like a man" and get reamed by the dealer or can I get creative with an automotive solution? I just feel like Ive been wronged somehow by the failure of a plastic component and want to avoid rewarding the designers.<br /><br />Thanks in advance
