Mercruiser questions
 

I joined this forum as I am restoring an older sports cruiser from 1997, sorry to say not a Mariah but the questions I need to ask can probably be answered by those knowledgeable about Mercury engines and boat equipment in general.

I will attach three photographs in order to explain what I am talking about. See the attached thumbnails.

The first question is this: the 12 V hydraulic trim pump is missing from my boat. However I noticed that one of the Mercruiser 502 cu in engines (there are two of those, 1997 models, fitted with Bravo 2 stern drives) seems to have a power pump unit fitted to it, similar to what a power steering unit on a car engine looks like. Is it possible for me to use this unit instead of the original hydraulic trim pump? I know it would only work when the engine is running, of course. If this is not a hydraulic pump assembly, then what is it? The belt to it can be seen hanging loose.

The next question I want to ask is this, observing the photograph of a stainless steel tank or container, and a close up of the top lid, what I want to ask, is this the hydraulic fluid unit for the power trim of the stern drives?

Any information much appreciated. Thank you.

Re: Mercruiser questions
 

As far as I know, the power steering looking pump is just that, used for power steering. That tank looks like it could be a reservoir for a trim system. I'm curious what's under the part that you took a close up of? A pump possibly? Shot in the dark, but could it be the trim pump is submerged in that tank?

Re: Mercruiser questions
 

Thank you very much for your answer, husker_fan. I had not thought of the possibility that the reservoir tank could have a pump inside it, it could be a modified trim pump system. I must take a closer look but can't do it immediately as I am away at the moment. I agree that the power steering unit on the engine looks just like a power steering unit in a car engine, maybe this is an auxiliary system or a backup hydraulic system of sorts.