4xcrazy
3/4 ton status
ditto
CK5
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Power steering cooler
- Thread starter hammermachine
- Start date
ditto
hmatiak
1/2 ton status
I swapped out the auto trans in my truck, so im run my ps fluid through the old trans cooler built in the rad. Works good.
I will add just a bit of info into this thread to help out.
Line size is all important in power steering systems.
Make sure that as you add a cooler that the lines into the cooler are -8 which = 1/2". Then it also needs to be a free flowing cooler. Many times the coolers that you get from transmissions are -6 sized. The addition of the cooler adds restriction in the line and can starve the pump of fluid.
If you look at PSC, Howe etc. installs they all have -10 or 12 lines from a remote res. to the pump then -6 lines from the pump to the steering gear with a -8 line as the return.
Again watch line size and cooler restriction. It can hurt and even ruin a pump if these are not correct.
Also don't run ATF. GM power steering fluid is good as well as any of the synthetics. I ran GM fluid for 5+ years on the same pump in not so nice conditions and never had a problem.
Line size is all important in power steering systems.
Make sure that as you add a cooler that the lines into the cooler are -8 which = 1/2". Then it also needs to be a free flowing cooler. Many times the coolers that you get from transmissions are -6 sized. The addition of the cooler adds restriction in the line and can starve the pump of fluid.
If you look at PSC, Howe etc. installs they all have -10 or 12 lines from a remote res. to the pump then -6 lines from the pump to the steering gear with a -8 line as the return.
Again watch line size and cooler restriction. It can hurt and even ruin a pump if these are not correct.
Also don't run ATF. GM power steering fluid is good as well as any of the synthetics. I ran GM fluid for 5+ years on the same pump in not so nice conditions and never had a problem.
Ned Kelly
1/2 ton status
MiniWally,
Some good points there regarding line size. Something I never thought of too much in regards to AT cooler vs PS cooler & resevoirs.
To further discuss, don't the factory ps pumps 3/8 id lines on the low pressure/return side? So would it be restrictive to run the whole ps cooler system on 3/8 lines in the return/low pressure circuit? Just splicing in a tube and fine cooler (which would be less restrictive than a stacked plate cooler?) with 3/8" id tubes not good?
Some good points there regarding line size. Something I never thought of too much in regards to AT cooler vs PS cooler & resevoirs.
To further discuss, don't the factory ps pumps 3/8 id lines on the low pressure/return side? So would it be restrictive to run the whole ps cooler system on 3/8 lines in the return/low pressure circuit? Just splicing in a tube and fine cooler (which would be less restrictive than a stacked plate cooler?) with 3/8" id tubes not good?
In general the stock steering is good for steering stock vehicles. I am no expert but I take what the experts tell me and apply it. A 3/8" line size is probably fine and a tube and fin or straight through cooler will most likely be good. Then there will be the few that say they have a stacked plate cooler in this mix and it is fine.
I would tend to think that if you are running a stock type system that the return size is less important than a hydro assist or in my case a full hydro system.
I know when PSC or Howe sell a system they are very specific about what they want to see as far as line sizes. 6 years ago when I got my full hydro Howe system they didn't want to see a cooler in the mix. Today they still don't but have coolers that they have found to work well. PSC pushes coolers for everything but they also have a large variety of coolers and also cater to more of the recreational crowd that would need a cooler more.
Bottom line is that the less restriction in the return line the better. Line size, cooler flow rate, and then the suction line size (if you have a remote res.) are important.
thats why i went with one of PSC's big reservoirs... I'm gonna run #10 back to one of their sp-1200x pumps...
I love the idea of a closed pump with no built-in reservoir... I'll run the #6 thru a remote spin-on filter and a cooler too... the way I figure, I'm asking the system to do hydro-assist AND hydroboost, make it killer....
I love the idea of a closed pump with no built-in reservoir... I'll run the #6 thru a remote spin-on filter and a cooler too... the way I figure, I'm asking the system to do hydro-assist AND hydroboost, make it killer....
Cooler
I had no idea this was so complicated. I never thought about the hose size, or fittings, makes sense. I went with the same brand Derale from Summit, but it seems like a different model. I got the 13263. PSC sells the 13253, both are similar but the PSC one runs straight through the cooler. Mine goes in and out the same side. I don't know if there's a major difference or not. Coolingwise.
I had no idea this was so complicated. I never thought about the hose size, or fittings, makes sense. I went with the same brand Derale from Summit, but it seems like a different model. I got the 13263. PSC sells the 13253, both are similar but the PSC one runs straight through the cooler. Mine goes in and out the same side. I don't know if there's a major difference or not. Coolingwise.
CAZADOR
Registered Member
I took one of a 94 chevy pickup and installed it on my 71 blazer
Update
I was finally able to get my big goofy hands into a spot so I can loosen the power steering pressure hose fitting that's at the rear of the pump. (what a pain in the ass place to put it). That done I was able to remove the old leaky hose. I then fought for 45 minutes trying to fit the new (LMC) replacement hose into place. I'm sure a real mechanic would have removed the entire pump to switch out the hose, but I am not one, and have never done this before.
GET THIS! The hose it not right! It's the correct part number from LMC, (I called them and confirmed that it fits a 89 Blazer fullsized) BUT THE PART DOES NOT FIT! The hose once connected to the pump snakes back under the pump and right into the belt and fan! WTF! I tried to bend it but the only way the hose fits to both connectors is by making it snake into a S. I think they packaged the wrong part. ****!
I was finally able to get my big goofy hands into a spot so I can loosen the power steering pressure hose fitting that's at the rear of the pump. (what a pain in the ass place to put it). That done I was able to remove the old leaky hose. I then fought for 45 minutes trying to fit the new (LMC) replacement hose into place. I'm sure a real mechanic would have removed the entire pump to switch out the hose, but I am not one, and have never done this before.
GET THIS! The hose it not right! It's the correct part number from LMC, (I called them and confirmed that it fits a 89 Blazer fullsized) BUT THE PART DOES NOT FIT! The hose once connected to the pump snakes back under the pump and right into the belt and fan! WTF! I tried to bend it but the only way the hose fits to both connectors is by making it snake into a S. I think they packaged the wrong part. ****!
4xcrazy
3/4 ton status
i guess i better get that ATF out of my power steering unit that's been in there for the past 7 years, before something bad starts to happen...
yes, i know it's not it's initial intended use for it, but it DOES WORK JUST FINE...
yes, i know it's not it's initial intended use for it, but it DOES WORK JUST FINE...
Lmc
Since nobody can answer a question at LMC (on weekends, no service/tech questions). Has anybody else gotten the wrong parts or ones that don't fit from them before?
Since nobody can answer a question at LMC (on weekends, no service/tech questions). Has anybody else gotten the wrong parts or ones that don't fit from them before?
Slapperbar
Retired Navy NDT Examiner
The barn door handle I got didn't fit.
k20
3/4 ton status
If you run the hardline part of the hose down the frame rail near the brake lines, and then make a loop or something under the pump would it fit then?
X2
I spent some time looking at stock applications this weekend and they all have the line running out of the steering box towards the passenger side of the vehicle and then making a S bend under the steering box then hooking up to the pump.
Keep in mind that the section of soft line is there to allow for frame flex and engine movement so the intent may be for a S bend to allow movement.
BTW never said ATF wouldn't work, just that it is not a good power steering fluid. I have used it myself but have since stopped and started using GM Factory fluid or Amsoil tractor transmission fluid.
Lmc
I just called LMC about the part. It seems since I use to own a 85 K5 somehow the part was for that truck instead of my 89 K5. Just as well I ordered the cdorrect part from Rockauto Sat. I missed a wheeling trip because of the wrong part. SH&T!
I just called LMC about the part. It seems since I use to own a 85 K5 somehow the part was for that truck instead of my 89 K5. Just as well I ordered the cdorrect part from Rockauto Sat. I missed a wheeling trip because of the wrong part. SH&T!
Lmc
What a bunch of BULLS&T! They selll one part type for 1980 to 1991! The same part is listed for 305, and 350 engines part# 32-1965. Check it!http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/bzc/full.aspx?page=126
What a bunch of BULLS&T! They selll one part type for 1980 to 1991! The same part is listed for 305, and 350 engines part# 32-1965. Check it!http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/bzc/full.aspx?page=126
find a hose shop in the area and get one made to fit, we have EVCO out here and a bunch of others.
cdoggwsu
1/2 ton status
Why bother going through LMC to get a PS hose that Schucks or Napa stock for the same price?
Are you sure they didn't try and send you a hydroboost pressure hose?
Are you sure they didn't try and send you a hydroboost pressure hose?
