power steering hot

Garage10 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-07-2008, 09:38 PM

Hi Everyone
I have a saginaw P style power steering pump/reservoir that I feel is running extremely hot cosidering ambient temp is only 50F. It is running 200-260F. Do any of you know how hot is acceptable ? Why would my pump be so hot ? Oil level is good, sounds OK, don't see air bubbles. Any help from some of you very knowledgable folks would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Brent

RICK LAKE · #2 (**permalink**) 04-08-2008, 05:55 PM

Garage10 If the system is new the pump will run hot for a couple of thousand miles. What oil are you running in the pump. Do you have an P/S cooler on the return line. Jeg's and Summit both sell frame rail trans cooler kits that I use on my car. $40.00. 24" long and I mounted mine in the front end of the car under the Rad, It gets fresh air from the oil cooler opening. Should drop the temp into the 180's. If you are racing, synthesic oil will take the hot temps alot better. Just make sure the oil doesn't feel or smell burnt or gritty. It will change color over time from clear to a lite brown. Rick L.