Can I remove non-functioning power steering unit from 2nd engine?

[RobThatsMe]

Hi,

I am in process of rebuilding both of my Mercruiser 350 engines on my cruiser. They are 1995 engines, on a Rinker FiestaVee 300.

The only functional power steering system for my cruiser runs off of my starboard engine. The unit on the port engine has a looped hose on it, so basically it seems that it is just pumping into and out of itself, with no other purpose. It is not connected to anything else.

I am considering removing this unit, and saving it for spare parts. This would eliminate the need for the drive belt for the unit, and may help improve engine performance, and I would not have to be concerned about any unit failures from this non functional unit in the future.

Has anyone else done this, and does anyone see any issues with going forward with this plan?

Thanks for any advise or comment you may have regarding this issue.

Rob

[DougR]

Not sure of the situation with Merc. engines, but on the VolvoPenta engines the PS pump is part of the serpentine belt system. When non power steering engines are supplied, the pump and its pulley are replaced by an idler pulley to maintain the integrity of the serpentine belt system.

If your port side PS pump is driven by a dedicated belt, then there shouldn't be a problem with removing the extra pump.

DougR

[smac999]

can you tie both into the steering? does the steering still work if you are running only the port engine? (IE can you get home if the stb dies) or does it just make is easier, but still steers without.

[RobThatsMe]

Hi Doug,

Yes, the engine does have an independent belt, no serpentine belts on these 1995 engines.

smac, yes I can get home on either engine if one is down, but it is easier to steer with the starboard engine, as that is the one that drives the power steering unit. Using only the port engine requires a lot of muscle to maneuver the boat since the PS unit on that does nothing to assist the steering, or anything else for that matter.

Thank you both for your replies. I think it will be ok to remove the unit from the port engine, as it does nothing except pump into and out of itself.

My big concern is if it will put the wrong torque, or cause the engine to be out of balance if disconnected.

Rob

[DougR]

No problem with balance or torque or anything like that on the engine. Engine suppliers like VP or Merc sell the engine with or without PS pumps, and inboard engines don't have PS at all.

Many boat builders, like Rinker, order only one engine spec from the engine supplier to simplify their inventory control. That way they can put the same specification into single and twin engine boats and not worry about running out of PS or non PS specs.

DougR