Astro Van Hydro Boost help....

[lars]

I'm at home, sitting under my AC vent. Where you'll find me until, oh, Saturday or so.

 

[DirtDonk]

Hey Doug. Maybe instead of the upcoming “lunch with Wayne“ we can have a “lunch with Lars“ instead!
And before welding the exhaust together we can have a “let’s install the A/C in Doug’s garage“ party first.

 

[904Bronco]

I'm at home, sitting under my AC vent. Where you'll find me until, oh, Saturday or so.

 

[904Bronco]

Hey Doug. Maybe instead of the upcoming “lunch with Wayne“ we can have a “lunch with Lars“ instead!
And before welding the exhaust together we can have a “let’s install the A/C in Doug’s garage“ party first.

Thankfully, there is a cross breeze with both doors open, but it is a warm breeze!

 

[lars]

It’s down to 90° here now. Excuse me while I go grab a sweater and a blanket!

 

[904Bronco]

Bringing this back, now that I have exhaust in place.

Borrowed JimGo's PS pressure gauge, which I am not getting much of a reading in line out of the pump to the HB unit. Pulled the WH's Lee fitting from the pump and confirmed it is not contacting the pressure relief mechanism. Fluid is moving in the gauge assembly. Pulled the other metric to -6an fittings on the HB to confirm they are open and not impinging on anything. Going to bypass the HB unit all together today to see if steering improves. If not, I have another pump I can install and test... If it does improve the steering then the rebuilt HB unit would be the issue...

 

[lars]

Bringing this back, now that I have exhaust in place.

Borrowed JimGo's PS pressure gauge, which I am not getting much of a reading in line out of the pump to the HB unit. Pulled the WH's Lee fitting from the pump and confirmed it is not contacting the pressure relief mechanism. Fluid is moving in the gauge assembly. Pulled the other metric to -6an fittings on the HB to confirm they are open and not impinging on anything. Going to bypass the HB unit all together today to see if steering improves. If not, I have another pump I can install and test... If it does improve the steering then the rebuilt HB unit would be the issue...

Put the pressure gauge back on. If possible, point it so you can see it while you turn the steering wheel to full lock with the engine running. In that condition the pump will be putting out its maximum pressure. With an Explorer pump that should be around 1300-1400 psi if memory serves (which isn't terribly reliable these days).

 

[904Bronco]

Lars,
I bypassed the Hydro Boost unit and there was no change in steering response.
So I pulled the freshly rebuilt pump and put in a wreaking yard spare. And Boom! Steering works like a champ and HB braking practically locks up all four wheels. Pump is putting out around 1150 psi. I put everything back together, cleaned up my mess, and did a road test. Happy with the results, calling it fixed.

Now there will be call Monday to the Vendor who rebuilt it, asking if they want to try again or refund my money...

I appreciate everyone's comments, suggestions, and offers to assist. Doug

 

[904Bronco]

Straight Line Steering in San Jose took back the pump they rebuilt without question, Apologized. Just got it back and the relief valve was jammed open. They don't have an explanation, but that would cause 0 pressure coming out. It is now putting out 1200 psi. Turns out the Son of the Owner lives near me, and he delivered it to my door last night. Greatly appreciate the extra Customer service. ( Yes, swapping out the pumps 3 times still sucks)

 

[lars]

Wow, that is service. And the valve is probably the last thing I would expect to be a problem, though I suppose it's the only explanation for why a junkyard pump would work when the overhauled pump didn't. Duly noted for future reference, thanks for sharing.