Ford 3600 Diesel Power Steering Debacle

[971821]

Posted this on MTF with little response. Thought I'd try here.

My brother-in-law ran all the fluid out of my (new-to-me) early 80's Ford 3600 diesel power steering system (has slight leak, perhaps in steering column seals) and continued to run it without fluid in personal use for who knows how long.
The increasingly difficult steering evidently was of little concern to him.
The steering worked fine before this, except for a slight leak.
Afterwards, I filled it- no function restored.
I live off the farm and was so ------ that before leaving, I never thought to check fluid level after filling and running to troubleshoot for working pump and downstream fast leak/pressure loss.
Just assumed he fried the pump.

Assuming fluid retention in pump, the obvious place to me to start is repairing or replacing the pump.
Are these easily self-rebuildable or something that need to be taken to a hydraulic shop?
Anyone know of one around south central PA, if needed?
Saw some seal kits online.
What about bearings?

I am mechanically handy but never worked on something like this.

Pump appears to be original. Know little of the tractor history.
Messick's parts diagram shows no gasket between pump and block? Must be something, right?
Anything else to look at?

Thanks, in advance.

 

[Old Ford Mechanic]

You will be ahead to replace the pump instead of trying to rebuild. Heat from no lubrication distorts parts. Should be an o-ring between the pump and engine front cover to seal.

 

[Welding man]

I have been into dozens of these pumps. The brass bushings wear out letting the steel gears eat up the aluminum housings. Internal parts, other than O rings and seals are no longer available. Aftermarket pumps are cheap. Buy a pump. 2 lines and 2 bolts and it's off.

 

[sotxbill]

the ford pumps are relatively cheap on ebay, amazon, and even this site compared to other brands. The aluminum housing is shot.

 

[971821]

You will be ahead to replace the pump instead of trying to rebuild. Heat from no lubrication distorts parts. Should be an o-ring between the pump and engine front cover to seal.

Thanks. Ordered one.

 

[971821]

I have been into dozens of these pumps. The brass bushings wear out letting the steel gears eat up the aluminum housings. Internal parts, other than O rings and seals are no longer available. Aftermarket pumps are cheap. Buy a pump. 2 lines and 2 bolts and it's off.

Is there a pump to engine O ring or gasket? Part number? Did not see one on the parts diagram.

 

[Welding man]

The O ring should come with the new pump. There is no gasket. If you don't get a new one. Put a little black gasket maker on the old one and put it back. There is only splash lubrication of the gears in that area. No real pressure. I have never seen one leak.

 

[971821]

Got the pump on OK then found a leaky cylinder and metal line to replace.
Are these cylinders easy to reseal yourself if handy?

 

[Old Ford Mechanic]

Seal kits are very expensive from New Holland so, i carry these to a local shop that specializes in cylinder repair. They source the parts and inspect the barrel and rod do the repair and warranty the work. I have found that to be the best way to go. Customer is happy and so am i.

 

[Check Break]

Got the pump on OK then found a leaky cylinder and metal line to replace.
Are these cylinders easy to reseal yourself if handy?

https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/...SearchArea=Ford&&md=3600&cat=Steering&r=mcats

Look around online. Get your part number from Messicks if you don't have a parts manual. There's probably the same kit at a cheaper price on another site. If it starts with S., it's made by Sparex and is of good quality.