Q: Power Steering fluid

[Paul Workman]

I'm flushing my PS system today. I assume the part number recommended in the FSM is correct. Is that not so? Is there some update (e.g. original engine oil no longer available) I need to know before showing up at the GM counter today??

TIA (Sorry for such trivia, but the '90/ZR-1/LT5 is still pretty new to me. I'd rather ask a silly question than make a mistake if at all possible, doanchaknow. )

P.

[Pete]

You can use the GM stuff why pay the price any good quality power steering fluid will work just fine.

Which ever you prefer.

Pete

[Paul Workman]

I'm "gun-shy", I guess. My wife's 69 C3 just suffered a cam failure, and it appears to be traceable to the low phosphorous and sulfur in today's standard oils on a flat tappet cam. Then the PS fluid I bought at Napa says it's OK for topping off GM, etc, etc, but do not use it as part of bleeding the PS system. (Say what!? )

Seems like everything I thought I knew about these cars has been eclipsed over time. I find myself researching engine oils for our LT5s, and even a 350 SBC, brought to focus by the cam failure. So, Pete, I admit I may be a bit paranoid now, but I've had a couple "shots fired across my bow" already Lots ta learn or re-learn about caring for our prize Zs, I recon.

P.

[gbrtng]

Late 60s and early 70s SBCs had lots of soft cam lobe failures. Unless your wife's C3 has the stiff valve springs (LT1), modern oil is probably not to blame. Maybe you can use roller lifters just for peace of mind.

Use the GM PS fluid - it's a common hydraulic fluid.

[tomtom72]

This is by no means a definitive answer to your Q, Paul, as I ain't no pro wrench!

I used Valvoline super-syn P/S fluid when I empty my resivior with the turkey baster....I still do as this method takes forever to cycle the fluid thru the system

Anywho, I've be at this since like three yrs I do not have any leaks ( new or otherwise) and the steering appears to be suffering no ill effects from me using the Valvoline stuff.....yet

Just as an aside note, the 'other' owners manual in the "pizza box" says to switch out all the fluids, P/S included, to synthetic fluid if you are gonna flogg the car regularly....


Tom

Paul, give a lookie see at this place for the ZDDP stuff.
https://secure.mysuperpageshosting.c...com/index1.htm

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by tomtom72

This is by no means a definitive answer to your Q, Paul, as I ain't no pro wrench!

I used Valvoline super-syn P/S fluid when I empty my resivior with the turkey baster....I still do as this method takes forever to cycle the fluid thru the system

Anywho, I've be at this since like three yrs I do not have any leaks ( new or otherwise) and the steering appears to be suffering no ill effects from me using the Valvoline stuff.....yet

Just as an aside note, the 'other' owners manual in the "pizza box" says to switch out all the fluids, P/S included, to synthetic fluid if you are gonna flogg the car regularly....


Tom

Paul, give a lookie see at this place for the ZDDP stuff.
https://secure.mysuperpageshosting.c...com/index1.htm

Thanks Tom for the post. I did spring for the GM stuff - your basic clear hydraulic fluid, methinks. I cycled the stearing (on jacks) about 30+ times as per the FSM - got some air out of the system - but as for it coming up with some of that brownish (old) fluid?...Nadda. I fired her up and drove it a bit, and back to the barn...nadda.

Oh, sheeeiiiiitttttt! Did I mention the problem still exists??? () I wasn't sure the PS pump was at fault. But, the fluid was contaminated and for $80 and not running the risk of filling the "rack" w/ metal filings... Stay tuned.

P.