Power steering control valve "new/repro"

[Jeff S.]

Looking for someone with direct experience using a new/repro PSCV. Most of the usual suspects now have same in their catalogs; likely 'Chineseum' materials & labor.

I've have achieved only 2 driving seasons - 3600 miles - on refurbished OEM valve (by very well known & respected vendor) & now find it slobbering. I've also heard that the seal kits, of late, are all from a single-source & presenting problems for both vendors & owners doing rebuilds. Thanks in advance.

Jeff

[Harry S.]

Re: Power steering control valve "new/repro"

I trust Lonestar.....http://www.lonestarcaliper.com/

They will probably be at the Florida Regional....

[Mike T.]

Re: Power steering control valve "new/repro"

Jeff - I've put kits into at least a half dozen PS control valves and (knock on wood), 4 out of the 6 stayed dry, the other two seemed to leak as soon as the system saw pressure. Not profuse leaks, more like annoying drips. I always look for burrs, less than flat contact surfaces, etc, but never could figure out what was the cause. I thought it was due to that 'embossed' steel center gasket (or whatever it's true name is) that goes between the two halves not being available since the one being removed was already flattened out. I've tried a light smear of High Temp RTV along the now flattened ridge of that dividing gasket but again, sometimes works, sometimes not. My neighbor with his Nassau Blue L72 66 Coupe had a leaking control valve, we cleaned it up, added the kit and presto...leaks still. He went out and bought a supposedly new replacement and it's got a case of the drips too. Hope someone has finally figured out what we seem to be missing here. Glad you brought up the subject, I'll be adding a PS setup to the 65 396 roadster I recently purchased and would like to take care of the control valve once and for all.

[Jeff S.]

Re: Power steering control valve "new/repro"

I trust Lonestar.....http://www.lonestarcaliper.com/

They will probably be at the Florida Regional....

I did - 3600 miles ago.

[Edward D.]

Re: Power steering control valve "new/repro"

I've been rebuilding these for many years. I used to use the GM Delco kits but now use the standard rebuild kits by Edelman ( available from Autozone & others). CSSB (Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes) also has a nice kit and their website has perhaps the best step by step tutorial I have ever seen on the process for do it yourselfers. Lonestar Caliper does a good rebuild job on originals as well and will guarantee them. Bottom line is that the control valve is a "lip seal" piston device. Leakage and sealing is pretty much dependent upon the condition of the bore in the head casting. A scored or out of round bore in the head (outer casting) will result in a drip leak no matter what kit is used. I have only ever used two of the "new" units on corvettes and they did not leak, nor did they look original. Bottom line is that if you want original looking, go with rebuilt (or rebuild it yourself) and if you have a driver just want function try one of the new units.

[Joe L.]

Re: Power steering control valve "new/repro"

I've been rebuilding these for many years. I used to use the GM Delco kits but now use the standard rebuild kits by Edelman ( available from Autozone & others). CSSB (Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes) also has a nice kit and their website has perhaps the best step by step tutorial I have ever seen on the process for do it yourselfers. Lonestar Caliper does a good rebuild job on originals as well and will guarantee them. Bottom line is that the control valve is a "lip seal" piston device. Leakage and sealing is pretty much dependent upon the condition of the bore in the head casting. A scored or out of round bore in the head (outer casting) will result in a drip leak no matter what kit is used. I have only ever used two of the "new" units on corvettes and they did not leak, nor did they look original. Bottom line is that if you want original looking, go with rebuilt (or rebuild it yourself) and if you have a driver just want function try one of the new units.

Edward------

I agree. The necessity for PERFECT valve bore is absolutely critical for a leak-free valve. Honing the bore to correct imperfections will also result in a leaking valve.

[Jeff S.]

Re: Power steering control valve "new/repro"

Edward - sent you a PM. Thanks,
Jeff

[Joe L.]

Re: Power steering control valve "new/repro"

I wonder why no one stainless steel sleeves the bore of these valves? That would seem like the way to perfectly restore the bore and make the valve body virtually "immortal".