C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Another bad PS valve

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-28-2017, 05:00 PM
  #1  
revitup
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
revitup's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2005
Location: Pawleys Island, SC
Posts: 1,168
Received 221 Likes on 186 Posts

Default Another bad PS valve

Right? There's a little wetness up higher to the back and out to the side but I think that's PS fluid blowback.
This is my only leak, I think, I'd really like to fix it.



Whad'ya know. This the 3rd one in 2 1/2 years. This one went the longest. Leaked almost from day one but slower than the first two. It's leaking like a sieve now. My luck isn't good with rebuilts. Don't know whether to chance another one, try to rebuild this one myself, or buy new.

Old 10-28-2017, 05:23 PM
  #2  
Torqued Off
Le Mans Master
 
Torqued Off's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2008
Posts: 8,969
Received 2,687 Likes on 1,414 Posts
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified

Default

Another reason I like my factory manual steering.
Old 10-28-2017, 06:01 PM
  #3  
cagotzmann
Melting Slicks
 
cagotzmann's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,961
Received 520 Likes on 358 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by revitup
Right? There's a little wetness up higher to the back and out to the side but I think that's PS fluid blowback.
This is my only leak, I think, I'd really like to fix it.



Whad'ya know. This the 3rd one in 2 1/2 years. This one went the longest. Leaked almost from day one but slower than the first two. It's leaking like a sieve now. My luck isn't good with rebuilts. Don't know whether to chance another one, try to rebuild this one myself, or buy new.

I went to NAPA and tried their seal kit. I used this after a I got a new unit that lasted about 5 years. I used the seal kit in my original unit. Didn't leak after the install and dry after the last 2 months.

It wont last long in the car since I am moving to a R&P system to remove all the weak / leak points.

For the cost of a seal kit it may be worth attempting.

But before this wash everything down and let dry. See if anything leaks without the car running ( let it sit over night ) then run the engine for 5-10 minutes and see if anything starts leaking. Then you will know were the leak is.

Last edited by cagotzmann; 10-28-2017 at 06:03 PM.
Old 10-28-2017, 06:18 PM
  #4  
DUB
Race Director
 
DUB's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2009
Location: Charlotte NC
Posts: 19,294
Received 2,713 Likes on 2,321 Posts

Default

I have had 3 power steering control valves go bad. One leaked the instant I installed it. Prior to that..I never had a problem with the rebuilt ones..

I NOW install NEW and that is the only way I care to do it because I got tired of having to spend my time on these and not gettign paid for doing them over again.

ALSO...BE CAREFUL on who you buy the control valves through...because I have tried two of them. One each form two different sources...and one of them...even though the control valve worked....the problem was when I went to balance it. The amount of movement in the nut was so tight. I was scared that it would fail.

Normally..to get the piston to move in and out for the balancing procedure will take about 20 minuets on the clock....so form 12 o'clock to 4 o'clock. But on the one I was scared of was literally about one minute of movement in the nut to make the piston move in and out. So there is literally NO cushion area.

I know I can rebuild these control valves...and I have many times in the past...just like I can rebuild the calipers...but I don't...due to it is too costly for my customers to pay me more to do it that if I buy is already done. I do it for a customer who is going for judging and they want to retain the factory date coded part.

DUB
Old 10-28-2017, 06:40 PM
  #5  
HeadsU.P.
Le Mans Master
 
HeadsU.P.'s Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2017
Location: Cool Northern Michigan
Posts: 6,904
Received 2,127 Likes on 1,634 Posts
Default

H-m-m-m-m-m. That's the first one I have seen do that . . . . .



in the last hour.
Old 10-28-2017, 07:05 PM
  #6  
wendellp601
Safety Car
 
wendellp601's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2015
Location: Jackson MS
Posts: 3,531
Received 188 Likes on 149 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by revitup
Right? There's a little wetness up higher to the back and out to the side but I think that's PS fluid blowback.
This is my only leak, I think, I'd really like to fix it.



Whad'ya know. This the 3rd one in 2 1/2 years. This one went the longest. Leaked almost from day one but slower than the first two. It's leaking like a sieve now. My luck isn't good with rebuilts. Don't know whether to chance another one, try to rebuild this one myself, or buy new.

I rebuilt my PSCV with a kit from Willcox with good results.
I also replaced the two hoses going from the valve to the cylinder.
There were no leaks for at least a year.
It still was not leaking when I installed a Borgeson box a few months ago and eliminated all of those potential leak paths.

I find that almost surgical cleanliness is recommended when working on hydraulic components. Fuzz, grit and the tiniest contaminant can cause a seal to fail.
Old 10-28-2017, 07:14 PM
  #7  
71VetteLover
Pro
 
71VetteLover's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2017
Location: Modesto California
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
Received 71 Likes on 71 Posts
Default

The oil on the rod end of the cylinder tells me the hose hasn't been tightened quite enough.
Old 10-28-2017, 07:15 PM
  #8  
revitup
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
revitup's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2005
Location: Pawleys Island, SC
Posts: 1,168
Received 221 Likes on 186 Posts

Default

AdvanceAuto Parts seems to have them from a couple of manufacturers, it's unclear if they're new or remanufactured. With a lifetime warranty though. I'm getting pretty good at changing these things.
Heard of A1 Cardone or Lurers Corp? Anyone have experience with products from either one?
Old 10-28-2017, 07:28 PM
  #9  
revitup
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
revitup's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2005
Location: Pawleys Island, SC
Posts: 1,168
Received 221 Likes on 186 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by 71VetteLover
The oil on the rod end of the cylinder tells me the hose hasn't been tightened quite enough.
I'll put a wrench on it but you don't think the leak from the control is just wicking down the hose onto the cylinder? I cleaned the whole area up so I'll see.
Old 10-29-2017, 10:21 AM
  #10  
Big2Bird
Le Mans Master
 
Big2Bird's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,823
Received 1,014 Likes on 808 Posts

Default

I went thru this once. Installed a new unit from lone star. Been on there 6 years, no leaks.
Old 10-29-2017, 10:49 AM
  #11  
revitup
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
revitup's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2005
Location: Pawleys Island, SC
Posts: 1,168
Received 221 Likes on 186 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Big2Bird
I went thru this once. Installed a new unit from lone star. Been on there 6 years, no leaks.
Seems like their rebuilds are descent quality, their calipers anyway. Wondering what the warranty is on Lonestar's products and whether they're available locally. I have a email out to them.

Last edited by revitup; 10-29-2017 at 11:23 AM.
Old 10-29-2017, 10:51 AM
  #12  
GTR1999
Tech Contributor
 
GTR1999's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 1999
Location: Connecticut, USA
Posts: 14,064
Received 2,618 Likes on 1,338 Posts

Default

The rebuilt valves have been a crap shoot for years now. The new ones have been the way to go although some have told me they had some issue with those in the recent past as well.

For my 72 I rebuilt it about 12 years ago and I see it is weeping a little but it might be the hose connection. When I laid out the new hoses over the old originals I found the radius wasn't as large and the new hoses were slightly shorter over all. I got them installed and they worked but the point is to check them against what worked- if you still have them or are changing them out for the first time.

For my 69 I will be staying with the manual setup, really works nice and wasn't too bad in parking lot spaces, even with old 60 series tires and worn out bearings!
The following users liked this post:
Big2Bird (10-29-2017)
Old 10-29-2017, 11:15 AM
  #13  
Dave J
Burning Brakes
 
Dave J's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2006
Location: Deplorableville Nebraska
Posts: 1,225
Received 137 Likes on 107 Posts

Default

Gary, It's really good to see you back on the forum!
The following users liked this post:
73racevette (10-31-2017)
Old 10-29-2017, 11:52 AM
  #14  
7T1vette
Team Owner
 
7T1vette's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2006
Location: Crossville TN
Posts: 36,600
Received 2,713 Likes on 2,271 Posts

Default

As mentioned above, it is IMPORTANT to dry off all the components that have any oil on them in that area, then recheck to see where the oil is actually leaking FROM. Just because it ends up on the P/S control valve doesn't mean that's where it's leaking. That is the part which is at the bottom of the 'food chain', so whatever leaks above that valve will end up getting oil.

The drips appear to be red in color. If you have clear P/S fluid in the pump, then that leakage could be from an auto transmission (if you have one). If you put transmission fluid in the P/S system, the leaks are more likely to come from the pump and/or hoses than the control valve.
Old 10-29-2017, 12:17 PM
  #15  
revitup
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
revitup's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2005
Location: Pawleys Island, SC
Posts: 1,168
Received 221 Likes on 186 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by 7T1vette
As mentioned above, it is IMPORTANT to dry off all the components that have any oil on them in that area, then recheck to see where the oil is actually leaking FROM. Just because it ends up on the P/S control valve doesn't mean that's where it's leaking. That is the part which is at the bottom of the 'food chain', so whatever leaks above that valve will end up getting oil.

The drips appear to be red in color. If you have clear P/S fluid in the pump, then that leakage could be from an auto transmission (if you have one). If you put transmission fluid in the P/S system, the leaks are more likely to come from the pump and/or hoses than the control valve.
I cleaned it all up yesterday, I'll be taking another look soon, if not today.
I don't have an an auto. It's PS fluid, I don't remember the brand that I used previously that would be red. I've been topping off lately with Prestone which is clear or slightly amber.
Old 10-29-2017, 02:00 PM
  #16  
Brass Pass
Melting Slicks
 
Brass Pass's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2004
Location: Inlet Beach, FL
Posts: 2,002
Received 17 Likes on 14 Posts

Default

Welcome back Gary!
Old 10-29-2017, 05:32 PM
  #17  
DUB
Race Director
 
DUB's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2009
Location: Charlotte NC
Posts: 19,294
Received 2,713 Likes on 2,321 Posts

Default

New PSCV's from Lone Star is the only way I go now. And these DO have the correct amount of movement for the nut so the balancing will be not so touchy.

DUB

Get notified of new replies

To Another bad PS valve

Old 10-29-2017, 06:12 PM
  #18  
revitup
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
revitup's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2005
Location: Pawleys Island, SC
Posts: 1,168
Received 221 Likes on 186 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by DUB
New PSCV's from Lone Star is the only way I go now. And these DO have the correct amount of movement for the nut so the balancing will be not so touchy.

DUB
They're not cheap, looks like $225.
Old 10-29-2017, 06:53 PM
  #19  
DUB
Race Director
 
DUB's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2009
Location: Charlotte NC
Posts: 19,294
Received 2,713 Likes on 2,321 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by revitup
They're not cheap, looks like $225.

Just passing along my experiences in what I have found....becasue many DIYers may not know how these control valves worked from the factory in regards to the adjustment for the balancing.

For me it is cheap insurance so I know when I install one and not having to order another rebuilt one hoping that is does not leak and have to do the job over again.

I have a completely different view on this than many DIYers who are doing it for themselves. But..in time...even a DIYer will get sick and tired of doing the same thing over and over again.

Now if a customer wants to bring in a rebuilt one they purchased and pay me over and over again to install them until they finally get one that does not leak..I am fine with that...because I am NOT eating the labor due to customer supplied defective parts.

DUB
Old 10-29-2017, 07:28 PM
  #20  
Big2Bird
Le Mans Master
 
Big2Bird's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,823
Received 1,014 Likes on 808 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by GTR1999
The rebuilt valves have been a crap shoot for years now. The new ones have been the way to go although some have told me they had some issue with those in the recent past as well.

For my 72 I rebuilt it about 12 years ago and I see it is weeping a little but it might be the hose connection. When I laid out the new hoses over the old originals I found the radius wasn't as large and the new hoses were slightly shorter over all. I got them installed and they worked but the point is to check them against what worked- if you still have them or are changing them out for the first time.

For my 69 I will be staying with the manual setup, really works nice and wasn't too bad in parking lot spaces, even with old 60 series tires and worn out bearings!
Gary, welcome back old friend.


Quick Reply: Another bad PS valve



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:45 AM.