Power steering questions

[davidkerryedwards]

Thanks for the reply. That's not good news about the suction fitting on the
pump. I'm
surprised that fitting is not a typical barbed fitting with multiple barbs. If
it could easily be
changed out, I'd put a threaded connection there. Mine has obviously been
leaking there
from new. If I can't change the fitting, I'll try two hose clamps instead of
one.
I think I'm going to mount an oil cooler on the inside wall of the first storage
compartment
behind the left front wheel. It looks like lines can easily be run back to that
area. My
coach is more susceptible to heat absorption in the PS fluid since I have an
aftermarket
turbo at the left exhaust manifold which heats up the area above it much more
than other
coaches and that is exactly where the PS hoses run. I'm going to use a large
oil cooler
without a fan. (8x11) I think it should reduce heat quite a bit since it is
designed for a
larger volume of hot oil either in a transmission or engine.
I've been able to access the return line be removing the inspection plate in the
floor at the
steering column and removing the back sheet metal wall on the battery
compartment. I
havn't taken the old line off yet but it looks like there will be enough access
to remove and
install without taking out the battery tray itself.
I'll probably try to find a local hydraulic hose supplier so I can get
crimped/threaded
fittings attached.

Kerry
82 FC 35
Denver

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Dan Darst" wrote:
>
> In October I was messin with the power steering. In the span of a week, I
> went from Dexron III to straight 30w to mobil 1 10w30 fully synthetic and
> finally back to straight 30w. The manaual lists straight 30w as one of the
> acceptables. Also changed suction line and return line. The old original
> lines were 5/8" heater hose. Go to http://www.discounthydraulichose.com, they sell
> what you need. It is made by aeroquip, and has no steel braid, but is quite
> stiff so it won't collapse. They also sell the nylon chafe protection that
> slips over the hose. I won't be tripping until March (Myrtle), so no
> conclusions until then. The suction hose connection (new hose) to the pump
> is dripping now, and it will drip for the next four months. After I put some
> initial heat to it, I will again tighten the hose clamp. In about a year, if
> I find the pump needs to be rebuilt, will also try to change that suction
> line fitting on the pump so it points up instead of to the rear, thereby
> eliminating the need for the hose to do a 180 degree bend.
>
> dandarst86fc35rbhuntleyil.
>
>
> >From: "davidkerryedwards"
> >Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> >To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> >Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Power steering questions
> >Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 23:32:39 -0000
> >
> >I'm finally getting around to fixing the power steering leak I've had since
> >I bought the
> >coach. A perusal of all the maintenance records from new show it to be
> >a persistent
> >problem reported first in about 1983 or 4. It has barbed fittings for
> >suction and return
> >lines. Suction fitting on Eaton power steering pump has one hump instead of
> >barbs, like a
> >heater core. Suction line has been replaced at least once, could be 2 or 3
> >times. Current
> >suction line is steel reinforced hose. Return line is original (I think) It
> >is leaking at all
> >suction and return line fittings. Not leaking on high pressure line.
> > I put my non-contact thermometer on the reservoir after about a 10
> >miles drive on a
> >75 degree day and it showed 239 degrees. Typical power steering runs at
> >150 degrees.
> >So the Bird power steering fluid is clearly too hot. How to fix?
> > I plan to replace the hoses with high temperature hose (Gates rubber
> >sells one rated for
> >300 degrees) and try to replace all barbed connections with threaded
> >connections, except
> >for the barb on the suction line at the pump since that fitting is not
> >removable. I will also
> >use synthetic fluid rated for higher temperatures.
> >Would the steel reinforcing in the current hose mean it could not make a
> >good seal on the
> >barbed fitting? The original return line is all rubber.
> >How much of a temperature drop could I expect in the fluid if I installed a
> >cooler in the
> >system? What is the difference in cooling ability of the tube/fin versions
> >with an electric
> >fan, tube and fine with no fan, and solid aluminum coolers with no fan but
> >a row of fins?
> >How exposed to air movement must these coolers be to be effective? Any
> >recommendations on a good location?
> >I considered moving the reservoir to a cooler location but I haven't been
> >able to find a
> >location on the bus higher than the power steering pump which will work.
> >Any advice on how to deal with the problem. I've got the reservoir out,
> >the suction line
> >removed and will pull the return line in the near future.
> >
>
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