Starboard engine power steering pump and alternator.

Mike sandor

Active Member
Jul 28, 2017
175
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Boat Info
2007 320 Sundancer
Twin 496. Bravo 3
2018 3500 Chevy, Loadmaster trailer
Raymarine Axiom, Quantum 2
Engines
496 Mercruiser/Bravo III drives
so last week end, while troubleshooting a no start situation on the starboard motor, I noticed that with only the port engine running, I had no power steering. That got me wondering about the operation of the power steering pump on the port engine. Does the fluid just recirculate thru the pump? Got me thinking about the alternators function. Are the charging systems completely separate? Does the specific alternator supply only power to it’s bank of batteries and engine? I also noticed that there was no power to the gauges or the VesselView unit.
Once I solved the starboard engine no start issue, power was restored. I thought that odd.
If the no start problem ever reappears, and I am away from the dock, I would be running the port engine with all dead gauges. No loving that idea! Is this the way the systems were designed?
 
That's interesting.

So all your gauges work when the starboard engine is running but when the port engine is running alone not even the gauges for that motor are functioning? That sounds like a "hot" wire has been landed in the wrong location.
 
I agree somethings not right there with the gauges, but the alternator and power steering pump sound normal.
 
Typically I start the port engine first, the gauges register data, then start the starboard.
It when I have the no start issue with the starboard engine is when the gauges are dead.
 
On my 280DA the port power steering hose ends were hooked together, excess hose length folded up and tied in a bundle at that engines rear. On strbd side the hoses looked like they connect to assist cyl with quick couplers. I always thought about making hoses long enough for port to reach over to it, snap strbd off/port on....or plumb in some ball valves and have the back up ready to go.
 
My gauges do the same thing. Port powers gauges for both motors. It is strange that its wired that way, but my merc dealer said that it is just one of those Sea Ray things. Some are just done that way and some are not. Go figure.
 
On my 320, the port engine switch must be in the on position, then I can steer, engine does not need to be on. I’m guessing the sea star power steering g assist is connected to the port key on. I have had to navigate too many times on just the starboard engine alone! My gauges work independently, so either starboard or port is on, those corresponding gauges are on.
 

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