leaks are quite defeating...

[yARIC008]

I've been trying to make my rig leak free for quite a while now and boy it sure is proving to be an illusive goal.

The only two things I've defeated are the transmission oil pan and the fuel filter. I tried conquering the power steering leak over the past 3 or 4 days now. Replaced the pump and hoses and the high pressure hose just didn't want to stop leaking at the pump. I changed out the O-ring for a slightly thicker one and tightend the living hell out of it and I think MAYBE I got it to stop leaking finally. The gear may still be leaking however.

While I was trying to work on that I discovered my oil cooler leaking coolant right behind the power steering pump. The gasket material has apparently just turned to moosh. I tightend the bolts up and that had zero effect. It just drips on it's merry way when the engine is hot and pressurized.

I've also replaced my valve cover gasket and RTV'd the hell out of it too for good measure and that ******* still is leaking too.

Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it... GAH

 

[rattleonby]

Ehhhh... I'd say the oil cooler is worth fixing to stop leaking mainly because you dont want it to overheat aaand the price of some of our coolant. Funny this is that i once overfilled my power steering pump once and it leaked out of the front shaft seal until it got to a certain level and it stopped lol. As for the valve covers youll never win completely. They'll always leak a lil bit just from the vibration of these engines....it keeps the exhaust manifold bolts lubed for future removal anyway haha ...

 

[bookite03]

Quick thought on the power steering... You running ATF or power steering fluid? I've seen these trucks leak unless filled with ATF.

 

[rattleonby]

Always used atf. Seems to last longer and may extend the life of the box and pump because of the detergent properties of the atf. Just plain ol dexron is what I always used.

 

[yARIC008]

Quick thought on the power steering... You running ATF or power steering fluid? I've seen these trucks leak unless filled with ATF.

Its a saginaw pump, so powersteering fluid. Thats what documentation said anyway.

 

[argve]

Eric,

Long time no see. Glad to see you are still around. You can do the gaskets for the oil cooler while it's still installed - she's a messy job. Even with draining everything but can be done - I fought it once on the Enterprise.

Now as for sealing up the PS leak have you tried some PS Fluid with the stop leak mixture. I have had semi good luck with it over the years if the leak isn't bad - more of a seeping type of leak. Yes the best way is to pull it apart and replace seals but it's worth a try.