Ok looking around im not really getting much of an answer, but before I ask my question heres a quick run down of whats going on and why Im asking...

I am noticing that there is a leak coming from something, at this time im still in the process of elimination, but im right now 99.97% sure its the PS pump or something near/related to it, as I do see a tiny amount of fluid on the cap where you can pour new in, not the fluids being left on the floor of the garage are a nice oily brown colour, which leads me to think PS pump, also when I get under the truck every other spot near it is oily, especially the cross member support unit, so I decided its time to flush the PS system and put fresh fluid in it (might as well anyways as I have no record of when it was done last so its only going to help).


what im trying to find out (and I get varied answers from yes to no to yes only for a short time), is when im dumping the PS system (into approved container) is it safe and ok to run the engine and move the wheel left and right to assist in a quicker draining and then flush with 2 qts of ATFF? or should I just do the flush with engine off?


also I understand the fastest/simplest way is to use the line that runs into the bottom of the PS pump, is this correct??

 

I would add a little Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak, I have two stories about Lucas. One on my old 86 F250 4x4. The Steering Box was leaking out of the pitman arm seal, about a pint every few days, Well I started adding Lucas & it decreased to a pint every month or so. Long story short I drove that wore out box for 3 more years before installing a new rebuilt box.
The second is our Honda. It has a leak in one of the Rack & Pinion seals. I added some Lucas Three years ago & last week it was down about 2oz of fluid We have driven this Honda for almost 80,000 miles.
So for $10 I think it is a good deal.

Craig

 

I do plan on adding Lucas, but I was going to do the swap first with clean fluids then add the Lucas with the fresh PS fluid, or should I just add now? I'm getting the ps pump wine so that's what made me decide on changing the ps fluid

 

No, I would do the change just like you were thinking then add Lucas heck put a 1/2 pt. in. One thing to check. Be sure your OWNERS MANUAL calls for ATF & not P/S Fluid. I have used Lucas in my Honda & it calls for a HONDA ONLY P/S FLUID but the Lucas mixed & 80K later no issues.
Don't ask me what the difference is if there even is a difference. But somewhere here I read that adding or putting P/S FLUID in when it calls for ATF can be an issue. Maybe someone else can answer this better than me. All I know is I'm old school but the mechanics I know tell me I have to be a little more careful with the newer stuff & fluid requirements. Like my 99 Dodge the NV4500 has to have a special fluid or you screw up the sycros. & end up with tranny issues. I understand the NV4500 isn't cheap to fix.
From my experience I would be more concern if a FORD P/S DIDN'T whine.

Craig

 

ok, well im kinda of the old scool my self in the thought process, if its whining its working, heck if I could I would delete the PS all together but its there for a reason so ehh, I will recheck the owners guide just to be safe but based on my reading threads our trucks are ATFF based PS units.

 

Our trucks do indeed use type F ATF

 

Ok that's what I was thinking, now to figure out how to drain the ps pump and entire system of fluids...also still need an answer to the question of, is it safe to run with out fluids in the PS system?

 

What I have seen done is remove the return hose & start the truck, have someone in it get out what comes out & call it good. You should hurt anything if it runs a few seconds dry. What I told was the way a mechanic friend of mine use to do his.
Can you still buy Type F fluid? I thought Dexron III/Mercon replaced Type F?

Craig

 

I just buy the Type F ATF and use that, it's just teams fluid.

 

Did my suggestion seem like a workable one on draining. So I assume you can still buy Type F fluid?

Craig

 

I have drained fluid like that, shouldn't be a problem. Have a buddy work the wheels back and forth to get all the fluid out, just don't run it any longer than necessary. You're likely to get a lot of noisy air in the system doing this, though. It'll just have to work itself out over time.

And I can get Type F at the parts store. Nothing fancy like Valvoline, just house-brand NAPA stuff. You might have to ask for it, it may be behind the counter if it's not a very fast seller.

 

OK, I never looked for it. NAPA oils is all I use & have used for 20+ years. In my old wore out mind I thought they did away with type F & went to Dexron III/Mercon.
Thanks for the info.

Craig

 

Yes just need to figure a way to clean the area then pull the line and let drain into a bucket

 

It will make a mess anyway you do it. Throw down a bunch of newspaper or tarp. After the mess take the truck to a hand spray car wash & clean it.

Craig

 

Good enough