water in the power steering fluid

[9Ball]

Why do does my 94 2000SC 4.3L have a power steering fluid cooler. I have never seen one before(Cars or Trucks). I keep getting water in the power steering fluid and I am thinking the only way that happens is from a leak in the cooler. But why do I need a cooler in the first place?

[pascavone]

yes, its a little heat exchanger on the back loop of the raw water tube, between the engine and the transom.

it might not have drain down one year and froze and cracked.

now you have to get all the water out or you will lose your power steering rack.

luckly its right in top, so I'd order a new one, and get the whole system purged.

[9Ball]

Originally Posted by pascavone

yes, its a little heat exchanger on the back loop of the raw water tube, between the engine and the transom.

it might not have drain down one year and froze and cracked.

now you have to get all the water out or you will lose your power steering rack.

luckly its right in top, so I'd order a new one, and get the whole system purged.

Why does a boat have a cooler in the 1st place.... cars and trucks don't? I am thinking about just bypassing the cooler.

Todd

[pascavone]

i would guess, on a car the rack and pinion has 70 mph air cooling it, on a boat in a little compartment next to exhaust pipes.

The cooler run about $78 bucks, so that like 16 gallons of gas.

[biggerseagar]

I can remember my 88 Bayliner 2150 with the OMC outdtive and 5.0L had a power steering cooler inbetween the transom and engine. What a tight squeeze to get in there with my 3/8 wrench to get that screw out and to feel about four drops of water come dribbling out to winterize the thing.

What a pain!

Roger