power steering pump return line question.

[dave brode]

All,

I have clearance problems at the ps return line and manifold.

I can modify the steel line, but the heat there will be extreme. I wonder if I could weld in [or use a bulkhead fitting] on the side of the ps pump body?

Here are pic showing the problem, and where I'd like to put the line. I could run it down in front of, or behind the fuel pump. I intend to run the return out from the box, under the rad support to a cooler, and then back up to the pump, since the pump will see lots of heat.

Thoughts?

Dave

 

[76Eldo_convertFI]

The return line is low(er) pressure so you could use compression fittings & tubing. Even transmission/PS high pressure tubing should be fine. On my Eldo, which has Hydroboost,  I used tranny tubing from the steering box to a small tranny cooler mounted in front of my radiator, then back to the pump reservoir. My stock "loop" cooler line was crimped so I eliminated it and used a tranny cooler. No problem in over a year and I do notice better braking in our summer heat here in Vegas because of cooler fluid.

 

[73eldoconvert]

I added a return fitting to a pump one time, I dont remember why, it may have been because I swapped a 305 in place of a 6.2 so it may have been an issue with a return line from the brakes.  It must have been easy and worked or I would remember having to mess with it all the time.  I used transmission cooler hose since its the same fluid and temps.  Fuel hose does not hold up to hydrolic fluids for some reason maybe the heat? For the metal sections I just used steel brake lines.

 

[cadillac512]

  Dave-
  You can weld a new tube into the pump body wherever there is room inside to do so. Just weld the old hole shut after cutting the original return off. Very little pressure there as it's just free-flowing back to sump in the return line.

  Terry

 

[dave brode]

All,

Thanks.

I ASSumed that I could weld in a hose fitting, or use a bulkhead fitting in the flat side of the tin body, if there is room between the cover and the pump.

You may be able to see the problem in the pics. I could extend that hard line, but the heat there is going to be extreme, as the line would be less than an inch from the manifold. The heat behind the turbine housings is incredible. It is not uncommon for the manifolds to glow on a hard pull. I will make a s/s heat sheild for the pump, [and alternator on the other side] but the return line would be tougher.

If I put the return in the other side, it'll be away from the heat.

76,

I figured on using a fairly big trans cooler out front, as the pump will soak up a bunch of heat, even at cruise.

Thanks again.
Dave

 

[dave brode]

On the subject, I've always used ATF rather than steering fluid. Think steering fluid would take the heat better?

What about the "tractor fluid" that many racers are using in auto trannys? Iirc, it's not normal hydraulic fluid, but special stuff used in wet brakes and such on big tractors. John Deere and Case, iirc. Not too pricey.

Dave

 

[Chris S]

My research shows ATF to be superior to steering fluid (not to mention cheaper  )

Your thinking of HY-Tran, is a thicker viscosity and has more different additives as well.  Its manufactured to be "warranty-compatible" with the equipment.   :shhh:

 

[Nick Campagna]

ATF sounds like a hot ticket, but what is it's compatibility with PS fluid if the PS doesn't completely drain due to hydro-boost, angles, etc?

 

[ixfn]

ATF sounds like a hot ticket, but what is it's compatibility with PS fluid if the PS doesn't completely drain due to hydro-boost, angles, etc?

If you're talking about swapping PS for ATF in a hydroboost system that is a nono :nono:  ATF is NOT recommended for hydroboost; they require PS fluid because it it closer to 'pure' hydraulic fluid.  ATF is also more likely to foam having a detrimental effect on the system's performance; it can take up to hundred of miles of driving just to work the air bubbles out (after foaming).  Paul at Hydratech probably has more sophisticated input, but that's the gist :twocents:

 

[dave brode]

All,

I know nutin about the hydro-boost systems. I can say that I've mixed atf and ps fluid many many times with no problem. Heck, maybe syth atf would do well in heat?

Chris,

not sure about the brans name of the "tractor" fluid, but a bunch of guys are using in in auto trannys with high stall convertors. They claim that it allows for less slip on the big end of the track. Some are mixing it with various types of atf, but some are running it 100%.

Dave

 

[shiftless]

The Ford hydroboost system specifies ATF as far as I know. Regardless, we filled my friend's '00 GT up with ATF and have driven it that way for the past 5,000 miles without a problem. Can't speak for the GM system.  :twocents:

 

[OkieDoug]

The only thing bad that I see with your proposed fitting location is the difficulty in reaching back behind the pump housing to attach the fitting.  What about slicing off the filler neck, and extending it upward?  The return line could then enter the neck at a convenient point for access and for clearance.  I would enter the neck at a tangent so that the incoming fluid would swirl around the periphery of the neck, which would help dissapate heat and prevent entrainment of air bubbles as well as centrifuging out existing air.  You could gain a bit of fluid volume, and also get the fill point up to a less awkward point on the engine front.

 

[76Eldo_convertFI]

The only thing bad that I see with your proposed fitting location is the difficulty in reaching back behind the pump housing to attach the fitting.  What about slicing off the filler neck, and extending it upward?  The return line could then enter the neck at a convenient point for access and for clearance.  I would enter the neck at a tangent so that the incoming fluid would swirl around the periphery of the neck, which would help dissapate heat and prevent entrainment of air bubbles as well as centrifuging out existing air.  You could gain a bit of fluid volume, and also get the fill point up to a less awkward point on the engine front.

Excellent idea that will work well. :yes: I use this design with food products that foam heavily. 

 

[cadillackeeper]

man,that sounds cool and you could probably get an older style resivoir like a 67 they
all had a high neck and i think the pump will slide right into the o ring and you coud
return and have easy fill and monitoring.

 

[dave brode]

Doug,

I was going to put the return in the side of the cover, on the water pump side. Good bit of room there. However, your idea is of interest.

keeper/all,

Have a pic of the '67 pump cover? Anyone have a spare, if it'll work?

TIA
Dave