861 Ford power steering

[mscat]

I presently have aquired an 861 Ford. The power steering has me baffled.The pump was leaking and the guy at a hydraulic shop said it was the same pump as a 57 Thunderbird. It is an Eaton pump so I order it and it looks the same except for the outlet fitting. Had a hose made that would connect and assembled. When I started the motor it is difficult to turn the steering wheel even with the front wheels off the ground. Fluid is milky which I assume means there is water mixed in. When you turn the steering wheel and stop the front wheels continue to pivot for a bit. I assume there is also some air somewhere. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Husker 50 8n]

I presently have aquired an 861 Ford. The power steering has me baffled.The pump was leaking and the guy at a hydraulic shop said it was the same pump as a 57 Thunderbird. It is an Eaton pump so I order it and it looks the same except for the outlet fitting. Had a hose made that would connect and assembled. When I started the motor it is difficult to turn the steering wheel even with the front wheels off the ground. Fluid is milky which I assume means there is water mixed in. When you turn the steering wheel and stop the front wheels continue to pivot for a bit. I assume there is also some air somewhere. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

If the PS system has water in the fluid (sounds like a yes with the milky fluid) the PS valve in the steering column may be a little corroded and sticky. If the PS valve isn't moving/operating correctly that could make your steering harder, or could make you work against the hydraulic flow. Try to turn your steering fully left and right several times with the tractor running to bleed the air out of the system. If that doesn't help you will probably need to take the steering valve apart. Not a bad job but has some small parts that you don't want to lose. I would definitely want a manual when you work on the valve. These systems work very well when everything is in good working order. Unfortunately the pump, steering valve, cylinders, and hoses are now 60 plus years old and many need to be renewed. Definitely worth having the power steering working on these tractors.

 

[M-MAN]

Ford used that automobile pump up to 65. Years ago I gave my BIL one to go on his tractor. I don't remember for sure but something about the tractor version is backwards and it had to be switched to work on the tractor. It was either the lines or orfice inside the fitting. Look closely at both pumps. It did work fine once he switched something.

 

[mscat]

If the PS system has water in the fluid (sounds like a yes with the milky fluid) the PS valve in the steering column may be a little corroded and sticky. If the PS valve isn't moving/operating correctly that could make your steering harder, or could make you work against the hydraulic flow. Try to turn your steering fully left and right several times with the tractor running to bleed the air out of the system. If that doesn't help you will probably need to take the steering valve apart. Not a bad job but has some small parts that you don't want to lose. I would definitely want a manual when you work on the valve. These systems work very well when everything is in good working order. Unfortunately the pump, steering valve, cylinders, and hoses are now 60 plus years old and many need to be renewed. Definitely worth having the power steering working on these tractors.

Husker, Thanks for the reply and info. Is steering valve that you refer to just the top part of the section where the power steering lines attach? Also there seems to be a good bit of slop with the steering wheel, can that be corrected with the set screws on the sides?

 

[mscat]

Ford used that automobile pump up to 65. Years ago I gave my BIL one to go on his tractor. I don't remember for sure but something about the tractor version is backwards and it had to be switched to work on the tractor. It was either the lines or orfice inside the fitting. Look closely at both pumps. It did work fine once he switched something.

I have been able to mount the pump that I ordered and it seems to look right. Thanks for your info, it gives me confidence that the prob is not the pump.

 

[mscat]

Ford used that automobile pump up to 65. Years ago I gave my BIL one to go on his tractor. I don't remember for sure but something about the tractor version is backwards and it had to be switched to work on the tractor. It was either the lines or orfice inside the fitting. Look closely at both pumps. It did work fine once he switched something.

M-Man,
I'm wondering if something is backwards on this pump. After installation things have gone wrong. It now is pushing fluid out the top check valve on the control valve in the steering column and no power steering at all. Wish I knew what BIL switched on his. Any chance he would remember?

 

[M-MAN]

M-Man,
I'm wondering if something is backwards on this pump. After installation things have gone wrong. It now is pushing fluid out the top check valve on the control valve in the steering column and no power steering at all. Wish I knew what BIL switched on his. Any chance he would remember?

Unfortunately he passed away last year. Sounds like you have the pressure but it's in the wrong direction? I'm pretty sure someone told him pump was turning in the opposite direction from the automobile and that was why the lines had to be switched. I would find what adapters were necessary and try that. Also look closely at the ports the lines hook to and compare your old one to the new one looking for an orfice that could be changed. It has to be something simple but I just don't remember anything else.

 

[mscat]

Unfortunately he passed away last year. Sounds like you have the pressure but it's in the wrong direction? I'm pretty sure someone told him pump was turning in the opposite direction from the automobile and that was why the lines had to be switched. I would find what adapters were necessary and try that. Also look closely at the ports the lines hook to and compare your old one to the new one looking for an orfice that could be changed. It has to be something simple but I just don't remember anything else.

Thanks for the response. I contacted the manufacture of the pump that I installed and they say the pump turns clockwise just as the one that I removed. I'm like you it seems like something simple but I can't unravel it.

 

[Husker 50 8n]

Thanks for the response. I contacted the manufacture of the pump that I installed and they say the pump turns clockwise just as the one that I removed. I'm like you it seems like something simple but I can't unravel it.

Watch this video. It's been a few years since I had a steering valve apart but I think the 3000 and 801 valves are the same or very similar. Not difficult but don't lose the small parts when you take it apart.

 

[mscat]

Watch this video. It's been a few years since I had a steering valve apart but I think the 3000 and 801 valves are the same or very similar. Not difficult but don't lose the small parts when you take it apart.

Thanks for the video. Will be really helpful when dealing with the valve.