Power Steering Control Valve

[joseph m. hahnl]

If it turns out that the Power Steering Control Valve is blown out, here is a little tip that everyone should know. I have no idea what Mercruiser charges for that part, but I have owned a Corvette (Don have mercy) since I was 26 and have a bit of experience with these things. The Corvette and the Mercruiser use the SAME valve. The use a similar ram, only the Corvette one has a tie rod welded onto the end making it unusable for the Merc.
Sooo, if the valve is shot, go and get yourself a rebuilt one, or a new one, from one of your local discount auto parts joints. They offer lifetime warranties and it is the same exact part. Use my car as your own. 1975.
And hey, from the description you gave, it DOES sound like the valve.



Is it common for the control valve to blow out in the Alpha?

I think I am going to replace or rebuild mine, was wondering if any one else had done this?
This is the one from the Vet he was saying was identical
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/wcsstore/CVWEB/staticproductimage//245/mini/3792633_a1c_286623_pri_mini.jpg (http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Power-Steering-Control-Valve-Cardone_3792633-P_245_R%7CGRP60016_217959437___#)



This is a rebuild kit
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/wcsstore/CVWEB/staticproductimage//21/mini/3869075_ede_7864_pri_mini.jpg (http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Power-Steering-Control-Valve-Kit-Powercraft_3869075-P_21_R%7CGRP60016_636177728___#)

Neither one is available from Mercruiser.
The valve listed for over $400 from Mercruiserparts.com
https://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_Pictures3.asp?dnbr=%2099964&ivar=images/CRUISER/99964/30082.png&inbr=2203&bnbr=230&bdesc=POWER+STEERING+COMPONENTS
It is $160 through discount auto stores
or $10 bucks for the rebuild kit:bonk:

[MOP]

I was hands on for a lot of years and never had one come through the shop, they seem to last a very long time with average care. You can find new ones on Ebay very cheap, Merc, OMC and Volvo use the same part hardly worth the time and effort to rebuild.

[joseph m. hahnl]

I was hands on for a lot of years and never had one come through the shop, they seem to last a very long time with average care. You can find new ones on Ebay very cheap, Merc, OMC and Volvo use the same part hardly worth the time and effort to rebuild.


Thanks Phil! What would you say the life expectancy is on the valve?

[MOP]

Thanks Phil! What would you say the life expectancy is on the valve?

That is a tough one, quite long but like anything else it is a usage thing mine is 23 years old with no issues so far. But I bet some have had issues sooner.

[LKSD]

I agree with Phil, you may be better off replacing the whole thing.. ;)