Re: Pentosin volcano!

[orin@netcom.com (Orin Eman)]

> By special request for the "What's going on here?" department: My 86 5KS has
> developed a great appetite for Pentosin - it is foaming in the resevoir and
> out of the top where the car check sensor fits.

This happens with my 'backup' pump.

> First thought was the resevoir gasket (which was shot), changed the gasket,
> problem not abated. A call to one of the parts suppliers on the list
> resulted in the following statement: "Well, I'm not a mechanic, but the reed
> valve in the power steering pump is shot - happens all the time - you need a
> new pump - just $300!" I looked at the cutaway drawing of the pump AND at a
> spare pump graciously GIVEN to me by my local parts yard, and there's no
> reed valve I have found, either on paper or in metal (or am I looking in the
> wrong place?).

There is a pressure relief valve in the steering side of the pump.  The Bentley
has the procedure to replace it.  Has your steering become HEAVY at low
RPMs?  (I'll bet the valve isn't cheap.)

It's also possible that the pump is sucking air somewhere, creating the
foam.  Make sure the banjo bolts on the pump are tight and the hose
clamps on the resevoir are tight too.

> I'd rather be smart and ask on the list, hoping that someone else has had
> and solved this problem - "Oh, yeah, that's the frammistat, costs three
> bucks. Fix ya right up." (Dream on - but I'd sure appreciate some input on
> this.)

I just read a post from someone with 3 spare pumps.  Between 5 pumps,
and a reseal kit, you should be able to make one work.

> 
> Any suggestions on where to start looking? Loose fittings? Air leak?
> Defective component - autocheck complains about brakes about 75% of the
> time, but level is fine and effort OK, brakes work, PS works, rack boots not

That's because the sensor sinks in the foam...  I disconnected mine
when this happened and checked the level everyday before starting.

BTW:  Which Pentosin are you using 7.1 or 11 and what is the part numberr
on the pump?  If the pump part number ends in G, it's the wrong pump
and may cause this kind of problem (yes, my spare is a 'G').

Orin.