Hot power steering fluid

[RAWms]

I have just discovered that the PS reservoir was so hot I could not keep my hand on it.  However, I can hang onto the upper radiator coolant hose for a calibration of the temperatures I felt.

I have never noticed or even thought about PS fluid getting hot.  My '72 Ranchero does have a PS cooler on it so this must be an issue.   A little research has turned up the PS fluid can run at 320 degrees,  whooaa. 

The car has not been on the road yet so maybe this is a driveway phenomenon.  When I start it to move the car, it is usually run for about 5 minutes at higher RPMs.  (I like to warm it up and circulate the fluids)

Have others noticed this heat running stock '57 PS units with the stock ram setup?
Is there an inherent (Rack using the original pump) problem I need to address?   With a cooler?

Maybe there is no problem just the circumstances the car is being operated currently.

thx in advance, r

[Hoosier Hurricane]

Roger:

That seems hot to me for only 5 minutes of running.  If the steering is at rest, the pump should just be circulating fluid to the control valve and back to the reservoir.  Too get that hot, it must be working hard.  Does the pump always sound like it does when you turn the wheels all the way and hold them there, which causes the relief valve to open with a hissing or groaning sound?  If so, check for a kinked hose or line.  Maybe the spool in the control valve is not returning to center.  However, if that happens, the wheels would turn all the way one way without your turning the steering wheel.  Does the power steering work when you turn the wheels?

John

[Ford Blue blood]

Roger,

Both my 62 and 65 Birds ran/run very hot to the touch.  Both call for Type - F ATF.  The 62 ran for 15K after I put it on the road with only washing the filter, cleaning the little bit of junk out of it and painting the outside.  The car had 82K on it when it was parked for 12 years before I got it.  The 65 has not been on the road yet but will heat up to the point you can't hold your hand on it.  Both of my 57s are manual steer so I don't know if the pumps are the same but there were only two manufaturers at that time and it seams like they run a better than even odd chance of being the same unit.  Based on that I thin you are OK.

Having said all of that, it will not hurt a thing to put a cooler on the return line.

Bill

[RAWms]

John and Bill, Thank you for responding!

I do not hear any noises from the pump such as groaning as you mentioned.  The wheels are slightly turned while sitting at each end of the drive way and usually something above idle; maybe 1500 rpm.  But then again it is still open headers so pretty loud but I do listen (Especially for engine issues) carefully when the exhaust flattens out if you know what I mean.  You can feel the power assist but it has only been in the driveway so far.   The lines are all new and straight shots between the rack and pump.  I will try a lock to lock check today.

Last night I was thinking the crankshaft pulley is larger on the 351W than it was on the original 292 so maybe pressure is high.  Even so I would think there is a relief valve in the rack (Remember I'm running a Wurthit designs rack & pinion) which uses a NAPA rebuilt unit.   Everything is new or rebuilt except for the pump where pressure is good and no leaks (unless you take the filter out of the reservoir then look out!).

thank you again for your help, r

[Hoosier Hurricane]

Roger:

You may have hit on it.  Pump rpm.  Maybe so much oil is being circulated that the hoses or valve can't pass it all, so pressure rises and the relief valve has to bypass some of the oil.  Any time you pump pressure you create heat.

John

[RAWms]

John,

I pulled out the 292 crankshaft PS pulley but did not get a chance to measure the differences.  Surprising it does look close in diameter to the 351W but want to find out the real difference.  Also, I have a PS pump pulley from a 80s Ford Bronco that is larger in diameter, rough check clears the reservoir, so may see if I can adapt it to the '57 pump.  Also, I have a tranny cooler from a ? that I will try to insert it into the return line.  I like coooooolllll, lots and lots of cool.  I have never had a problem generating heat...

thx, r

[Frankenstein57]

WE started running power steering on our dirt late model stock cars in the 80s, always ran at least a 6 inch pulley to slow the pump down. we ran alot more rpm, and constantly steering , but you get the idea. Have you asked Rick Wurthit? good luck, let us know what you find, Mark

[gasman]

Since you paid a good price for your steering kit, I would think that you should get some tech support from Wurthit.  Anyway, not to sound too obvious, but is it possible that the hoses are reversed on the rack.  On my rack, the larger port is the pressure side.  Just an idea.  Take care.

[bagboy]

I have had both types [gearheads   : /wurit ] in my 57.Running stock  60-70 s 351w pump.Both run hot to touch,but, so does everthing in those engine comp.! Not much air flow at low speed.Get an small temp.[ A/C] and you will know for sure.Mine was around 130 f.

[RAWms]

I'm sure the hoses are hooked up correctly; Two different size connectors at the rack and the return uses a hose clamp at the reservoir.

After looking around at this issue I decided to get the car operational and determine if a there is a real problem.  In my life time I have come up with a lot of solutions then went looking for a problem.

thx, r

[Ford Blue blood]

Roger,

Hot Rod or Street Rodder has an article on power steering in the new issue.  They listed common operating temps in the 200 + range.  Like to fell off the stool when I read that!  But given the the lines and resevoir get too hot to touch in my late model junk, the 65 Bird and the 36 Chevy with a Mustang II rack I'm going to have to say they might be right on.  The article did say that you should run a cooler if you operate above 250 for extended periods of time.
If the hoses are reversed the wheels will flop side to side very violently.  It was possible to hook up Must II backwards, been there done that......... :dumbass:
Having said all of that, you should be OK, neither of my Birds had a cooler and they ran well with no issues.

Bill