C2 Performance Verification - Engine Stalls/Power Steering Issue

[Bob P.]

I'm getting my car ready for the PV test and have run into a problem when checking the power steering unit. The PV manual for my '66 requires the operator to turn the steering wheel lock to lock to verify that there isn't any noise from belt slipping or squealing. I don't have any problems in terms of noise, but what happens is as the steering approaches it's lock position, it pulls the engine down to the point that when you reach the full lock position the engine stalls and dies. The engine warm idle is set at around 850 to 900 rpm, which is correct for a 427/425 engine. Anybody have an idea what causes this and how to resolve the issue? Thanks for your help.

[Dick W.]

Re: C2 Performance Verification - Engine Stalls/Power Steering Issue

I'm getting my car ready for the PV test and have run into a problem when checking the power steering unit. The PV manual for my '66 requires the operator to turn the steering wheel lock to lock to verify that there isn't any noise from belt slipping or squealing. I don't have any problems in terms of noise, but what happens is as the steering approaches it's lock position, it pulls the engine down to the point that when you reach the full lock position the engine stalls and dies. The engine warm idle is set at around 850 to 900 rpm, which is correct for a 427/425 engine. Anybody have an idea what causes this and how to resolve the issue? Thanks for your help.

Sounds like the pressure relief/flow control valve is sticking. Don't have shop manual handy but there is a pressure spec for the pump in it.

[Bob P.]

Re: C2 Performance Verification - Engine Stalls/Power Steering Issue

Thanks Dick, makes sense to me. Where is that valve located on the pump?

[Bob P.]

Re: C2 Performance Verification - Engine Stalls/Power Steering Issue

Dick I looked at the service manual. The value is internal to the pump and appear you can get to it without tearing the pump a part.

[Edward J.]

Re: C2 Performance Verification - Engine Stalls/Power Steering Issue

Bob, I know that the p/strg. pump at full lock will slow the engine down maybe 100rpms. Are you sure that the engine is running properly? a vacuum leak? Is the idle mixture set to attain the smoothest idle, timing set properly, vacuum advance working. I don't think that I have ever seen a p/strg. system cause a engine to go into a stall at lock position. is the 425/427 a solid lifter car?

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 Performance Verification - Engine Stalls/Power Steering Issue

It also has ported vacuum advance. Modifying the carb passages to achieve fulll vacuum advance may help, and there is no need to change the VAC.

I don't think the air cleaner is removed as part of a PV, so you can probably do the two-buck change by teeing the VAC signal line into the choke vacuum break.

Duke

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 Performance Verification - Engine Stalls/Power Steering Issue

is the 425/427 a solid lifter car?

Ed,

The answer to your question is yes!

Joe