1967 Power Steering Issue - No assist.

[Richard M.]

Thought it be best for another thread on this one......

We have the PS all set up. This is a Zip conversion kit using LoneStar new valve and pump, etc. After the engine run-in I filled the reservoir a few times between engine starts and turn cycles lock-to-lock. I did this with wheels on ground resting on cardboard to ease turning. I know it's best to do it with wheels off ground but I was impatient.

It appears we have no power assist. I read the Service Manual procedures and found no help. Lines are connected properly, by the book, etc. I'm using Valvoline clear PS fluid. I also noticed the socket ball going into the valve from the Pittman arm has much play in it when rocking the steering wheel. I'm not sure what could cause this. I know the valving is controlled by this ball socket.

Lines are properly connected, fluid topped off, clear no foaming, etc. This should just work.

Any ideas?
Rich

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1967 Power Steering Issue - No assist.

Rich,

When you ran the engine did you notice if the P/S fluid got warm from circulating, this would indicate if the pump is working.

I would remove the steering assist cylinder rod from the frame bracket and move the wheel back and forth to see if the ball socket is activating the valve. That is the shop manual procedure to center the valve after overhaul, I would start there.

Don't let the rod hit the frame when testing..

[Richard M.]

Re: 1967 Power Steering Issue - No assist.

I just removed the cylinder end from the bracket. I see the ball socket moving back and forth about 1/8"+ each way when I rock the steering column by hand while under the car.

I didn't notice the temp of the fluid when running.

I'm heading out for a while and will later run the engine and do the tests like you say. Dummy me just found the procedure in my '63 shop manual. I saw nothing in the '67 manual earlier.

Thanks,
Rich

[Richard M.]

Re: 1967 Power Steering Issue - No assist.

Problem solved.... Debris in the pump flow control valve, obviously blocking flow. I don't know how the crud got in the pump. Kudos to Ken McCormick at Lone Star in Texas for the super customer service phone troubleshooting to help solve the problem.

When I pulled the big union nut, the valve didn't pop out. I had to use a strong magnet to pull it out and found lots of crap in there. Swapped out the pump internals with another I had here, installed a temporary PS filter inline with the return hose to catch anything else, and good to go.
PS works great now......

BTW, the standard PS belt(Quanta repro 3878244 or a NAPA stock belt(7450, 45 5/8"), no workie good. PS pulley too close to the fan. Quanta belt makes it hit. NAPA 7450 better but hit once on rev-down when the fan flexes back. I had to use a NAPA 7460, 46 5/8" belt. Allows about 3/4" spacing from fan to PS pulley nut.

Rich