Power steering/resevoir questions...

[wetoolowdingbangow]

Hey folks,

Im in the middle of adding hydro assist and ive got a few questions that havent been answered by scouring the interwebs. I have a round heatsink thats about 2"x14" in size im adding on the return side of the power steering pump, which adds some volume to the system.

Id like to know if having the heatsink lower than the pump have a negative effect on the return pressure?

I read into adding an extra resevoir of fluid and I was thinking I could add it to the return side but the more I read into it, the more it seems like the resevoir needs to actually be on the steering pump. This is due to the amount of fluid used between the box and ram during its stroke?

Does it need to be on the steering pump? I have AC so my access is limited and with an upcoming wheeling trip my time is limited too. I believe a straight section of radiator hose would fit if I had to add to the pump. What oil fill cap did you use if you went this route?

 

[K85 Octane]

Hmmmm...interesting.

I can't see the pump sucking volume from the return side. If it wants fluid, it has to be instant and free flowing. My pump and reservoir are PSC, so the rezzy is above the pump and the return goes into the rezzy.

Not much help with finding a cap, but lots of guys manage the extension on the pump neck. I would still only do it temporarily till you can put together a better setup. Like an Astro van or diesel truck setup with rezzy.

 

[375 H&H]

the oil will be pumped through the heat sink so no worries. it can be wherever you wish. the resevoir has to be above the pump and supply the pump with a fairly large hose, like 3/4" or better. hydraboost trucks all have a remote reservoir you may be able to adapt. your cap will need to be vented to allow for expansion.

 

[wetoolowdingbangow]

Hmmmm...interesting.

I can't see the pump sucking volume from the return side. If it wants fluid, it has to be instant and free flowing. My pump and reservoir are PSC, so the rezzy is above the pump and the return goes into the rezzy.

Not much help with finding a cap, but lots of guys manage the extension on the pump neck. I would still only do it temporarily till you can put together a better setup. Like an Astro van or diesel truck setup with rezzy.

I think fluid going back into the reservoir on the actual pump lines would push it in.

The extension on the pump is likely what ill have to run until i get a more permanent solution.

the oil will be pumped through the heat sink so no worries. it can be wherever you wish. the resevoir has to be above the pump and supply the pump with a fairly large hose, like 3/4" or better. hydraboost trucks all have a remote reservoir you may be able to adapt. your cap will need to be vented to allow for expansion.

Thats what i was thinking! I know theres some rubber piece that people are using to plug into the pump. Just need to find it.

 

[skunked]

Thats what i was thinking! I know theres some rubber piece that people are using to plug into the pump. Just need to find it.

Are you talking about reducing the lid on the pump reservoir so it can accept a 3/4" hose from a secondary reservoir?

 

[muddermilitia]

Running a full hydro PSC setup. But sounds like you have a similar heat sink to mine. I have mine mounted to the front frame crossmember, return side. My PSC kit has a seperate fluid reservoir which is mounted high up near the top of the fender. Hood just barely clears it. No issues

 

[K85 Octane]

As I read it, I thought you were talking about using the cooler as a kind of "reservoir" in place of using a reservoir above the pump. Maybe if it was mounted above the pump and with large enough hoses.

If that was kind of your question, then this is kind of my answer.

If not, then don't mind me, just practicing my typing.

 

[wetoolowdingbangow]

Are you talking about reducing the lid on the pump reservoir so it can accept a 3/4" hose from a secondary reservoir?

I think so? Seems hydroboost steering pumps have a open tube coming from the top, where mine is an actual cap. If i could find something to pop over the steering pump where the cap goes that would be ideal. I wonder if i could get by without it? Its not yet clear to me whether the steering pump needs the fluid or is it more about having increased fluid to keep things cooler?

Running a full hydro PSC setup. But sounds like you have a similar heat sink to mine. I have mine mounted to the front frame crossmember, return side. My PSC kit has a seperate fluid reservoir which is mounted high up near the top of the fender. Hood just barely clears it. No issues

Thanks! Thats where i plan on running my heatsink. That reservoir is connected to your steering pump via the top? or is it on the return line?

 

[wetoolowdingbangow]

As I read it, I thought you were talking about using the cooler as a kind of "reservoir" in place of using a reservoir above the pump. Maybe if it was mounted above the pump and with large enough hoses.

If that was kind of your question, then this is kind of my answer.

If not, then don't mind me, just practicing my typing.

Haha yeah im wondering if the resevoir needs to be attatched to the top of the steering pump (radiator hose extension or astro van res.) Or could it go on the return line with the heatsink?

I can see the need for extra fluid because of the hoses and ram but maybe my heatsink is achieving that needed volume or maybe the volume of the steering pump needs to be increased directly to make sure theres enough fluid on tap?

Tough subject to explain lol.

 

[skunked]

I think it has to feed through the top, I don't believe the stock port will have enough flow for recovery

I had this info saved:

Chrysler part number 4333475

 

[skunked]

and another

For an extended reservoir you can use the standard PS pump with a Chrysler adapter #4333475 and then a hydro boost reservoir bolted somewhere with a 3/4" oil hose from the bottom of the hydro boost reservoir to the Chrysler adapter.

Here is a pic of the Chrysler adapter which clamps to the top of a standard PS pump. I also have a pic of it installed on my pump.

I am not running any kinda of aftermarket cooler and i don't have any problems. My 89 has a factory cooler (nothing more than a bunch of line wound back and forth a couple times under the radiator support which really only adds capacity).

 

[wetoolowdingbangow]

and another

Ah yes! you da man!

Next question is does that fit over the threaded area on the steering pump? I think it might. Im going to have to see if i can get one of those Chrysler parts somewhere.

Looks like it fits...pic didnt upload at first!

 

[skunked]

Ah yes! you da man!

Next question is does that fit over the threaded area on the steering pump? I think it might. Im going to have to see if i can get one of those Chrysler parts somewhere.

Looks like it fits...pic didnt upload at first!

yeah it looks like it fits over fine. One guy mentioned a little trimming

 

[wetoolowdingbangow]

yeah it looks like it fits over fine. One guy mentioned a little trimming

Hmm im thinking this will be a more permanent fix. I think i should just start off with the radiator hose extension. Just need to find a straight piece of radiator hose and a filler cap that will fit...

 

[K85 Octane]

Yeah, it's gotta be on top. The level fluctuates in the rezzy so it has to vent. Mine drops about 2" turning driver I think.

 

[WJACKSON11X]

This is the only pic I have right now, but I got everything needed at my local junkyard. The reservoir in the lower right is the one that I ended up using. I also got 2 of the adapters from the same vehicle (van maybe?). I had a 12"-14" piece of heater hose attached to the reservoir and mounted it to the firewall. I think the AC compressor might get in the way if you go this route.

 

[skunked]

I also got 2 of the adapters from the same vehicle (van maybe?).

interesting.....I'll have to add this to my junkyard list. Maybe from a Caravan?

 

[wetoolowdingbangow]

This is the only pic I have right now, but I got everything needed at my local junkyard. The reservoir in the lower right is the one that I ended up using. I also got 2 of the adapters from the same vehicle (van maybe?). I had a 12"-14" piece of heater hose attached to the reservoir and mounted it to the firewall. I think the AC compressor might get in the way if you go this route.

Yeah i think the AC will get in the way. I intend to get rid of it since it doesnt do much except add a belt to the system.

interesting.....I'll have to add this to my junkyard list. Maybe from a Caravan?

Those part numbers come back to 3.0l dodge caravans. The reservoir with the belt map looks like the one from an astro van...

Yeah, it's gotta be on top. The level fluctuates in the rezzy so it has to vent. Mine drops about 2" turning driver I think.

Ok cool. When you say vent does that mean it needs to have some venting ability through the top cap? I guess thats why i see oil filler caps not hose clamped to the radiator hose...

 

[K85 Octane]

Yes, vented. Mine has a small nipple on top with about 1.5' of hose attached to it. With extreme angles it will leak a tiny bit from the top, so the hose has a couple loops and is directed down. Eventually...... it will stop leaking

 

[wetoolowdingbangow]

Yes, vented. Mine has a small nipple on top with about 1.5' of hose attached to it. With extreme angles it will leak a tiny bit from the top, so the hose has a couple loops and is directed down. Eventually...... it will stop leaking

Ok cool thanks for the pic! I can totally make one of those after the trip. For now its going to be jerry-built with the radiator hose trick.