I have a 56 with power steering, car has a 302 with serpentine power steering pump. Steering is touchy, light feeling. If I put a pressure regulator, what happens to the "back pressure" will it eventually do damage to the pump or pressure hose?. Ford had it's own regulator in line, it is that funny thing in a stock pressure line,I cut one open and it has a steel pipe with a large opening from the pump and the outlet is smaller, could that be mounted in-line and control the pressure?. Thanks to all for the help in the past and in the future... Gerry "Laissez les bon temps roulee"
It is possible that since you have a serpentine which was usually with a rack and pinion car the pressures may be different than the earlier power steering units,might be wise to track down an old timer that turned wrenches for a Ford dealer to get an answer.
If memory serves, isn't/wasn't there a small control valve on those pumps? Seems I remember hearing about responsiveness issues from my old parts days and the mechs would switch out the valves in order to resolve. There were several different valves that were model specific (pickups, Granadas, LTDs, etc.). Maybe someone else can provide more detail.
If you have what Ford called a C3 pump, with the reservoir on the back with a dipstick on the cap, the pressure regulator is screwed into the high pressure fitting at the pump. For did this to use the pump on different size cars. You probably have one from a higher weight vehicle. The fix is one from a lighter car that needs less ***ist.
There is a great article in last months Street Rodder (September issue) about pumps, pressures and what pressures are a good starting point. Edit: Here it is. http://www.streetrodderweb.com/tech/1209sr_power_steering_pump/
Thanks all for the help, but I was hopeing someone had figured out what "pressure valve" to use. I have tried 2 all ready to no avail. Hate to purchase a adjustable pressure controll valve without at least asking if someone tried it and it worked. Are serpentine pully's available in different diameter and would it make much difference? Again thanks for the help. Gerry
Later Ford Pumps have a pressure valve located in the pump located under the high pressure connection (unde the 5/8-3/4 nut)You have to remove the fitting to remove the valve you will see a coil spring cut one coil at a time and give it a try Your belt system makes no diff as the pump will only put out 1100/1200 psi no mater how fast it turns. Do you have a Ford or GM pump (saginaw) the stepa or the same. Also or you using a rack if so they require only 900psi (+/-)
Cal, I am not useing a rack I have the original 56 power steering ram/controll valve, and also have the Ford pump on the 5.0 HO 302 motor. I did purchase a spring and valve from a Ranger pick up thought it might help adjust the pressure but made no difference. You think by cutting the spring that might lower the hose pressure? Thanks for your input. Gerry
Gerry The pump you are using is it a 56 or newer I understand your using the 56 ram. Yes trim the spring the stock ram requires only 900 psi a lot like a rack I have used saginaw pumps on the older rams and had to lower the psi just because of the problem your having and to kee[p the seals in
89/90 Mustang pump Here is a picture of the pump during the build... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=28053&pictureid=406843 Thanks. Gerry
Looks like a Thompson Style Pump you said you bought a new pressure spring for it and it uses a spring cut a ring out also ford used a GT pump quick-ratio part of the handling package. But any way if it uses a spring to regulate pressure the same as the earlier pumps it will work for you
The Jalopy Journal
