i have a 1978 f150 and just replaced the power steering pump and hoses, the pump is the older metal one with the tiny dipstick like a trans ( my 1970 f250 had this same pump) and not the large plastic one like it should so i put the same style pump as it had one it when i replaced it, it has been on there a week or so and i still have no power assist, i have jacked it up several time and turned the wheel left to rite several times to work the air out of the system and when it seems to get better than its like it just starts over back to were it was where it will not hardly turn at all ? the pump is brand new i cannot figure out why its doing this ? i may just go buy another ( the rite year specific pump this time)

 

To bleed out the air you need to turn it to one side and let it set a while, then turn it to the other side and let it set a while. If you just turn it back and forth the air will foam up the oil and not get out.

 

I'll try it, tho im thinking about putting the correct pump on, these old metal pumls are not very efficient at bleeding air.out of the system :-/

 

Wrong P/S pump. 1978: Ford changed the P/S pump on everything (except Econolines), has a plastic reservoir.

The P/S pressure hose has a straight tube with an O-ring on it at the pump end. Connects to the pump with a qwik connect fitting.

1965/77 FoMoCo vehicle P/S pumps have a steel reservoir. The P/S pressure hose threads directly onto the pump.

The plastic reservoir pump is smaller in diameter than the steel reservoir pump. Besides the different plastic reservoir only P/S pressure hose, the pumps mounting brackets may be different.

 

Thanks for the info numberdummy i am aware of this, i was saying my 78 has the wron pump, resivour, pulley, bracket and belt ie. The whole shabang and was wondering if there was a trick to bleeding the air out of these older style ones, the newer ones with the plastic resivour seem to bleed them self out quick enough

 

You did have the engine running when you turned it lock-to-lock, right? Just had to ask ... can't imagine why it wouldn't clear the air out. Maybe try doing it with the wheels on the ground?

 

Engine was running, tried it both ways

 

I forgot to mention that you need to turn the engine off while you leave it set several minutes on each lock.

 

Ok maybe thats the problem, i will try it and report back the results