Explorer Serp power steering pump

[galen1970b]

Now that I ve got my Ignition Module handled...(see posts below..) Now on to my power steering problem. I have an explorer serperntine setup..I primed the pump...im using the the russel fittings out lined in our wonderfull tech write up....but it wont turn my 35s at idle...From all the research Iv'e done I havent seen any specific troubleshooting tips and most threads usually get sidetracked with SD pump mods...what shop to send it to for modification...Lee fittings..etc.
So far with the old pump(from junkyard) jacked it up...turned it lock to lock many times through....but on the ground...no assist at idle....one of the earlier thread poster changed out the pump and his problem went away....so I figured I got a messed up pump from pick'n'pull not so far fetched....new pump is installed...primed it...still same issue. The only other way I can think of to help bleed my box is to disconnect my pitman arm..and turn it that way...Im going to do that tonight. From what I can tell,some people are able to hook it up and go.. and some...not so much...theres has to be something we're missing thats making these pumps not work from the start..

Thanks in advance,

-G

 

[bronconut73]

WH has a heavy duty and super duty version of the Explorer pump.
West Texas Off Road, AGR, Lee, can all upgrade or swap out heavy duty units but WH has everything you'll need to do it in one kit.
I want to do this too but haven't taken the plunge and bought the Explorer Serp System yet so I'll be watching your thread.

 

[kholding]

From most of the threads I have read on this the bleeding process takes A LOT longer than one would think. Hopefully tonight is your night and get it working good.

 

[badmuttstang]

You might find this thread useful. It shows how you can upgrade the internals to get better pressure. Worth a read at least.
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237617

 

[badmuttstang]

Oh and yes bleeding a system can take awhile and if there's an air bubble you will have issue but your also going to hear the system groan.

 

[galen1970b]

Thanks badmuttstang and bronconut I've read the other posts about this and know about the SD(super duty) internal swap stuff. I'm just looking for a definative troubleshooting method which isnt explained very well in all the other posts having to do with difficulties involving the explorer power steering pump. There are people talking about switching fittings...modifying the russel fitting...sending thair pump in to get it modified. I know this pump will turn my 35x12.5" General Grabbers just fine as it is, as many people can attest to. Ill post my results with the pitman arm disconnected.

 

[weasel]

Could your idle be too low and the pump not providing enough pressure? With tire on the ground and in park, can you turn the tires if you rev the engine up a bit?

I couldn't count the # of time I turned the tires lock to lock to get the air out. First with engine off and tire off the ground turn lock to lock, then warmed up at idle tires off the ground. When at idle, try not to hit the lock out because that could hurt the pump. At least that what I've been told.

Also, just because the you purchased a new pump doesn't mean it was a good one. I had the same issue, pick a pull pump was bad; replaced it with new one. Come to find out the new pump was bad as well, the second new one worked fine.

 

[chuzie]

Is is possible you got your lines swapped during the conversion?

 

[Viperwolf1]

I've only seen them work well with the Lee fitting.

 

[galen1970b]

I wasnt able to get my pitman arm off(dont think its ever been off...) with my current tool set....Ill go rent a more heavy duty puller when I get back from a trip on the weekend. I do get assist when i get the revs super high, my idle is on the high side...(no tach yet..) My pump whines quite a bit when its turning, Im sure i have a bunch of air in the system. I am also wondering about the fluid...the box had atf in it from the looks of it...mixed with the clear powersttering fluid...im going to flushin it when I get back....and reccomendations on the right fluid to use? Heres pictures of my install.

 

[jon_eds]

..modifying the russel fitting..

What's the modification? going through the same thing here. Might try it b4 I call lee's and order theirs.

 

[galen1970b]

I think people cut down the end that installs into the pump..

 

[chuzie]

Looks like your pressure and return lines are plumbed correctly.

 

[66horse]

Go to parts store and get another pump. I battled the same thing. Bad junkyard pump and bad first parts store pump. Was thinking it had to be something I was doing and not the pumps.

After much troubleshooting, I went and got another pump. Worked like a champ.

Good lick,
Steve

 

[mattt]

I've only seen them work well with the Lee fitting.

Or a stock Explorer hose....modified on the box end

 

[KBUCK1]

I had the same problem. new pumped solved the issue. What was happening is where the pulley bolts to the pump had came loose. It looked like it was a press fit to begin with. The pulley was turning but the pump wasn't. Good luck. Mine only took several seconds to prime.

 

[galen1970b]

2nd New Pump installed....now No assist at any rpm...fluid is moving...I bleed it once again...nothing....put a Vaccuum pump on it and put 5 in/hg on it while running....still nothing...I think Arkansas is running out of pumps...QA on these pumps shouldn't be this bad? Could there be something wrong with my box? Something in the valving to making it not build up pressure?

 

[galen1970b]

well...Unless Cardone pumps realllly suck....thats pump number three....went in to grab a pitman arm puller and the guys at Oriellys had another one.. (and since im a regular..they asked how that pump worked...) This problem has to be something other than a pump....Im going to modify my russel fitting.....be back soon...

 

[73azbronco]

2nd New Pump installed....now No assist at any rpm...fluid is moving...I bleed it once again...nothing....put a Vaccuum pump on it and put 5 in/hg on it while running....still nothing...I think Arkansas is running out of pumps...QA on these pumps shouldn't be this bad? Could there be something wrong with my box? Something in the valving to making it not build up pressure?

Yes, I went through five rebuilt pumps on a BMW once, never again will I use rebuilt ANYTHING.

 

[galen1970b]

So...positive results from modifying that russel fitting, Looks like the pump was good. I cut off the nipple that sticks down into the pump and installed an O-ring on the upper part to seal it....I've some assist now, normal assist at higher rpms..Im currently out of grinding stones for my dremel...other wise i would port that lower portion open more...I wil still probably cut the fitting more down to the threads. After examining the pump pressure outlet...I notiticed ports that the threades cover when the fitting is installed....i wonder if the lee fitting isnt nearly as long to allow those ports to be unobstructed...I figure Ill order that lee fitting....and mess around with the russel fitting to see how optimized i can get it....If I write it down...Its science!! if not...then im just screwin around...