Automotive Steering Pump VS Marine
 

I have a 1999 350 GM 5.7 Mercruiser. My pump has a pin hole and a marine pump is around $500. After I recovered from shock I started looking at an automotive pump. They look the same except how the smaller hose clamps on but we can work with that. I can get a re-man pump for $60. Anyone know if there is any difference in these pumps or a reason to go with a marine vs automotive?

There may be a difference in the materials used in it's construction.

Materials all seem the same. I just ordered the one that seemed to match so I'll find out.

A buddy of mine had a similar problem however his also involved the bearings in the pump going bad.

I used an automotive rebuilt unit. Externally the only difference was the angle of the fitting for the return line. A slightly longer piece of hose took care of that.

From what I read the auto pumps put out higher pressure and will cause the steering in a boat to slam lock to lock when the engine is started. To solve this you just need to unscrew the hex fitting where the high pressure line connects. Under this is a spring loaded plunger and "stuff" that will come out once the hex fitting is removed. This is what controls the pressure. Just swap everything in there from one pump to the other and it works like a champ!

Thanks great info.

All we use is car parts....have had no problems over the years. And saved tons of money.