New Pump - Old Box - Odd problem

Status
Not open for further replies.

RGBody87

Greasemonkey
Jan 7, 2018
143
38
28
Good evening!
I have a 454 swapped into my 87 Monte SS and I bought it with no power steering and the person never bothered to close up the holes for the box. I since primed it with fluid and flushed it several times. I installed a brand new pump and hoses when I converted the V-belt system to serpentine. Since I've gotten the engine running again, the car barely has any power steering unless you are really revving the engine, or when you first start the engine and it is electric choked and revving around 2k RPMS. After the pump heats up (the hoses seem to get RED HOT and I do not know if that is normal) the pump seems to make no noise, but the car has absolutely no power assist and even seems even more resistant then when the car had nothing hooked up at all.
The questions I have:
1. I'm using Advance Auto Power steering fluid for GM products including the pump I have... should I be using ATF? (heard it was the same stuff pretty much).
2. What box should I swap to if I think mine is bad? What else would you replace in the process?

I have an inline power steering fluid filter on the return line, it doesn't cause bubbling or any issues with the return of fluid. I recently took the filter off and ran a solid return hose, same results. You should be able to see it in the pictures provided below. Thank you!
IMG_9976.JPG
IMG_8697 (1).JPG
IMG_8794 (1).JPG
 

Wageslave

Royal Smart Person
Jan 25, 2017
1,747
3,335
113
Is it possible that the power steering lines are reversed on the gear box?
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

spidereyes455

G-Body Guru
Mar 6, 2013
776
1,614
93
Northeastern PA
Bad pump? Replacement parts ain't what they used to be. Another thought to consider is it the correct rotation pump? Not sure offhand if chevy ever used any reverse rotation ps pumps or not, but that would certainly cause no assist . I've see similar happen with water pumps wrong rotation in wrong application and they constantly overheated .
 

RGBody87

Greasemonkey
Jan 7, 2018
143
38
28
Is it possible that the power steering lines are reversed on the gear box?
I don't think they are reversed because I am able to use the power steering like normal car when it first starts and when it revs over 2,000ish. Once it heats up the RPMS have to be higher to lose the intense tension in the wheel. I feel like if it were reversed it wouldn't assist at all or would have been more challenging at higher RPMS with the reversed flow.
Thank you!
 

RGBody87

Greasemonkey
Jan 7, 2018
143
38
28
Bad pump? Replacement parts ain't what they used to be. Another thought to consider is it the correct rotation pump? Not sure offhand if chevy ever used any reverse rotation ps pumps or not, but that would certainly cause no assist . I've see similar happen with water pumps wrong rotation in wrong application and they constantly overheated .

To be honest, I'd never considered whether it could be spinning in reverse... but if it were I wonder if it would give me any assistance or power steering at all like it does now. I payed close attention to what direction the waterpump spun in, but when I got the car it never had power steering on the V-belt system. Actually it had a power steering pump from what I imagine was a 70's chevelle in the trunk when I bought it. I do not think that the pump is spinning in reverse? It is spinning clock-wise. I'll attach a video for clarity.
IMG_8795.JPG
 

bob64

G-Body Guru
Mar 30, 2017
713
674
93
Niagara Falls, Canada
It's causing heat because there is restriction this would explain first start an above 2000 rpm, some pumps have coolers.(heavy duty applications)

You'll have to get it flow tested on the outlet of the steering box. I'm think that there is garbage in the steering box.

It looks like it's running in proper direction. Out of curiosity did you open up the filter to see if junk was in fluid? I see in your pic that you got clamps on the return, l would think if it was backwards it would blow hose off.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
Common problem

The pump valve in the rear of the pump is not allowing enough fluid for the box.

I went through the same problem with my big block.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 users

RGBody87

Greasemonkey
Jan 7, 2018
143
38
28
Common problem

The pump valve in the rear of the pump is not allowing enough fluid for the box.

I went through the same problem with my big block.

I didnt see this response! How did you fix the problem? I blew the hose off again yesterday and feel like maybe the power steering box is just too old and beat up... might consider replacing it.
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
I bought an aftermarket pump I got tired of piecing it together.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

Texas82GP

Just-a-worm
Apr 3, 2015
7,981
18,676
113
Spring, Texas
If you replace the box, I recommend a close ratio (fewe turns from lock to lock) box (F41) from a Monte SS, GN, 442.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
Status
Not open for further replies.

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor