Weird Power Steering Pump Problem

[MikeM79]

Guys,

I finally got the big block dropped in the car and I am shaking it down.

While the engine was out I figured I would swap the tired stock steering box for a new Delphi unit. I kept the same power steering pump that was in the car when there was a small block in it.

The Delphi steering box uses different fittings than the stock box, so I had a new high pressure side hose fabbed. For the low pressure side I am just using some rubber hose clamped to the tube on the back of the box. From the factory this tube was welded / brazed to the pump and low pressure hose was swedged right onto it.

The leak is happening where the low pressure hose is clamped to the pipe coming off the box (circled in yellow). I tried double clamping it, but when the wheel turns the fluid sprays out all over the fender well.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

Wrong sized hose? Instead of clamping around like it should it bunches up and leaves a gap is my theory. I have had it happen but it was really too big, not even close.

Maybe the tube is slightly deformed and not round any more, try pushing the hose further down?

Just things I'm thinking, maybe they will help.

 

[SHANE 73Z]

Mike,

Not sure about the pressure problem, is the box a stock spec replacement or an upgrade? It appears that the pulley arrangement is stock. Any chance you could plumb in a long length of hose (6' or so) in the return to see if that helps. If so you could always plumb in a cooler to produce the same results. Maybe change the crank or ps pulley to get a lower drive ratio.

I am wondering if the new internals isnt providing the necessary pressure drop through the box.

Just wondering about the lack of rag joint Did you cut the flange off the stock int shaft or is it a whole new one?

Shane

 

[MikeM79]

Dave: The hose fits fairly snug as it is. I did slide it on further and even used a second worm clamp. No leaks with the car idling and sitting still, but it you actually drive it anywhere then the ps fluid sprays out.

Shane: I don't know anything about the pump except it was the one on the car when I bought it. The box is an upgrade insofar as is uses different internals and provides more of the "heavy" steering feel that new cars tend to have. The steering on old school cars always feels over assisted to me. When the fluid is there the box seems to work okay.

Another board member was kind enough to send me the crank and water pump pulleys. I had place a "want to buy" ad about 2 years ago and WildBillyT was kind enough to send me an extra set he had. I will measure the pulley diameters.

It could simply be that a section of plain old rubber fuel line hose and worm clamps just doesn't get it done. I may be looking for another pump, the kind with a real fitting for the low pressure side instead of a welded tube.

The steering u joint is a Borgeson aftermarket piece that I have used on other cars.

 

[rscamaro73]

Seems to me that there's prolly too much pressure going into the box, or a restriction in that low pressure elbow.

Possibly find another one with less of a bend on it ? Or figure out how to get an AN fitting on there and modify your hose to match.

I just found out I have a leak on my high press side hose.

It prolly from all the torque

Have you attempted to use a different 'style' of hose clamp and clamp it LOW on the tube closer to the flare on it ?

 

[msb80sc]

Has the pump been sitting with the lines off long? Maybe a Mud dauber or some other type of insect decided to use the return pipe for a hatchery.

 

[SpeedAddict02]

Mike.. I had a similar problem on my car.. I was using a 3rd gen serp setup with the stock '81 box.. 3rd gen pump had different fittings.. I was getting a leak on the low side also with just a clamp on it.. What I did was put a flare on the end of that tube, then clamp the hose right behind the flare.. stopped the leak..

just a thought, might be worth a shot.

Joe