Puking psc resivoir?

skipnrocks · Nov 29, 2015

I have one of the new psc resivoir with the filter in the middle. I have hydro assist brakes and double ended hydro steering. When bleeding the system I wasn't overfilled. But when I drive or operate the brakes at the same time it pukes a little. So when the system is returning a lot fast i.e. Braking and turning.

I am using the elixir steering fluid and it has been cold here making it thicker. And it pukes much more when cold.
I haven't had any issues with lack of fluid yet do I just let it puke till it finds its own balance?.

Thoughts?

dynajeep · Nov 29, 2015

I'm not sure about what's wrong with it, but I'll pass the question along to a friend that is a steering master. I know he swears by GM power steering fluid, he has the flow numbers of several fluids and for some reason GM flows the best

Edit: He has a ton of questions said if you would like to call he would be more than happy to talk with you. Without any answers, he thinks it sounds like starvation of the pump cause cavitation when use both together but there is lots of ? I would have before that easier to talk in person to hear all details

crawlin85cj · Nov 29, 2015

Do you have the steering fluid returning to the bottom return port and the hydro boost returning to the top return port?

2012 Jim's Garage YJ
2013 Wide Open Design WFO
Next one is in the oven!

John Galbreath Jr. · Nov 29, 2015

Are you filling it just a little above the filter bolt?

skipnrocks · Nov 29, 2015

dynajeep said:
I'm not sure about what's wrong with it, but I'll pass the question along to a friend that is a steering master. I know he swears by GM power steering fluid, he has the flow numbers of several fluids and for some reason GM flows the best

Edit: He has a ton of questions said if you would like to call he would be more than happy to talk with you. Without any answers, he thinks it sounds like starvation of the pump cause cavitation when use both together but there is lots of ? I would have before that easier to talk in person to hear all details

Awesome. If you want to pm me his info or pass mine on to him. 406-670-5322 text is the easiest way to make contact then I can get the ball rolling there.

skipnrocks · Nov 29, 2015

crawlin85cj said:
Do you have the steering fluid returning to the bottom return port and the hydro boost returning to the top return port?

2012 Jim's Garage YJ
2013 Wide Open Design WFO
Next one is in the oven!

If I understand correct. I have three ports. The large one on the left side that feeds the pump. The middle that feeds into the integrated filter. Then annual port on the right that returns the fluid back from the hydroboost.

skipnrocks · Nov 29, 2015

JohnG said:
Are you filling it just a little above the filter bolt?

That's where I started it. When bleeding the system that's where it was stable. ( didn't rise or fall much). The. When I started driving it it started dripping out the overflow. The colder it is the more it drips. But I have tons of power both steering and braking.

skipnrocks · Nov 29, 2015

The elixir came highly reccomended on here and I believe on psc website. This is my first time using it though. I have always used whatever junk they sell at oreilleys

crawlin85cj · Nov 29, 2015

SBJeepn said:
If I understand correct. I have three ports. The large one on the left side that feeds the pump. The middle that feeds into the integrated filter. Then annual port on the right that returns the fluid back from the hydroboost.

You should have a -10 port on the side near the bottom that feeds the pump, a -6 port about 1/2 way up that should be the return from orbital and then another -6 port closer to the top that should be the return from hydroboost.

2012 Jim's Garage YJ
2013 Wide Open Design WFO
Next one is in the oven!

skipnrocks · Nov 29, 2015

crawlin85cj said:
You should have a -10 port on the side near the bottom that feeds the pump, a -6 port about 1/2 way up that should be the return from orbital and then another -6 port closer to the top that should be the return from hydroboost.

2012 Jim's Garage YJ
2013 Wide Open Design WFO
Next one is in the oven!

On the new psc systems all ports Are on the bottom. The number 10 on the left and then a number 6 return from the steering and another number 6 return from brakes.

Hope this helps.

CHASMAN9 · Nov 30, 2015

How are you going about bleeding your system? Engine running or off? Not sure if it matters other then pressurizing the lines while bleeding them. I have always done it with engine off and cracking the fitting at the ram. :dunno:

skipnrocks · Nov 30, 2015

I did it engine off cracked the fitting at the ram. I started by jacking the buggy up turning the wheels all the way one direction and cracking the ram to limit air in the cylinder. Then after it quit bleeding air I pushed the wheels the other dirrection and repeated. Then once the air was all out that way I turned the wheel lock to lock over and over again till bubbles quit forming in the resivoir. Then I put the oil filter back in and have about 7-8 hours drive time on it.

CHASMAN9 · Nov 30, 2015

SBJeepn said:
I did it engine off cracked the fitting at the ram. I started by jacking the buggy up turning the wheels all the way one direction and cracking the ram to limit air in the cylinder. Then after it quit bleeding air I pushed the wheels the other dirrection and repeated. Then once the air was all out that way I turned the wheel lock to lock over and over again till bubbles quit forming in the resivoir. Then I put the oil filter back in and have about 7-8 hours drive time on it.

Sounds just like I'd do it. When it is running, does it turn correctly, any difference in pressure turning left to right? If there is, maybe check for a blocked line. Remove them one by one and blow them out and see if one maybe collapsed or have trash in it. Just throwing darts at it for ya.

skipnrocks · Nov 30, 2015

I appreciate that thanks. No notable difference right to left. It's all brand new. Only been out of the shop to wheel once. It turns great and brakes great.

John Galbreath Jr. · Nov 30, 2015

SBJeepn said:
I appreciate that thanks. No notable difference right to left. It's all brand new. Only been out of the shop to wheel once. It turns great and brakes great.

What does Lance at PCS say? He has helped me a lot over the years, some times not even his product, but all new parts I buy come from him. If you have not, you should give him a call.

crawlin85cj · Nov 30, 2015

SBJeepn said:
On the new psc systems all ports Are on the bottom. The number 10 on the left and then a number 6 return from the steering and another number 6 return from brakes.

Hope this helps.

From experience, your hydroboost will not be happy with a submerged return line. I had trouble with mine until i was told to swap the return lines and get the hydroboost return out of the fluid.

I'm not saying this is your issue but I would recommend speaking with Lance at PSC about it.

2012 Jim's Garage YJ
2013 Wide Open Design WFO
Next one is in the oven!

skipnrocks · Dec 1, 2015

I talked to Nicholas from Wisconsin and he was very knowledgeable. And then I called lance at PSC and this seems to be the verdict.

The Elixir ps fluid is too thick during cold weather. With it being so cold here and that is causing cavitation on warm up and is resulting in air pushing the fluid out the overflow during warm up. This seams highly likely since the system whines during startup when its cold.

They both suggested switching to a gm ps fluid. I called the local gm dealer they only wanted 24 bucks a quart. Apparently its laced with gold flake and cocaine making it very versatile.

So I may just drain the system and put some normal power steering fluid in for the winter. And see if that cures it.

Ill report back when I get it in. The only other option I could think of was a little block heater on the reservoir.