Discussion Forum - Northstar Chevelle Club

Gonna be messy either way, but I'm on the page with Derek about the flow control valve being plugged or stuck. Easy enough to remove from the pump and inspect/clean/free up.

Thanks for the suggestions. I am slowly working on getting the flow control valve out. It is hanging up on a bit on a seal sticking out, so I need to remove the pump and get it on the bench.

I haven't posted anything about my latest body part trying to fall off. In June, our dog was excited about something and dancing around. He hip-checked my in the side of my already damaged knee, finishing it off. On July 2, they replaced the knee, but closed it up while it was bleeding too much. They always put in a drain tube and small suction pump, so it kept the area clean. The next day it was still leaking the same amount so the decided to keep me an extra day. The next day it was still leaking the same amount, but they decided to send me home anyway. I tried to talk them out of it to no avail. Within a couple days, my leg was swollen and bruised from my groin to my toes. I went back in for an ultra-sound and they of course found a lot of blood, along with a new cyst on the back of my knee, and hypersensitive nerves in most of that leg. I went to specialists who gave me meds for the hypersensitivity, which helped quite a bit, but not completely. Now, three months later, I can not put my full weight on that knee, and it hurts like crazy for no reason at times.

So I sit on a stool and try to work but it doesn't take long for the pain to ramp up. I just have that one bottom bolt to get out, but I can only lean over for a short time. I will probably get it out tonight. If that isn't the problem, I will remove the gearbox and send it to Lares.

But I am not supposed to go out in public, so I have nothing better to do. I will let you know what happens.
Larry

Larry...Sorry to hear of the complications with the knee. It seems there are always a few horror stories like yours with all the successful replacements.

-- Edited by Jon H on Monday 27th of September 2021 08:32:33 PM

Thanks Stan. But I am under complete isolation because of my heart and other health problems. So I appreciate the offer, and if this Covid stuff ever lets up, I will enthusiastically take you up on that offer.

Derek and Mitch, the flow control valve was nice and clean. Do you know what is a correct size for the hole?

Thanks
Larry

The hole is about .125, and everything is spotlessly clean. So I guess that leaves the spool valve in the gearbox. I got a good grip on the nut, but couldn't budge it. I will have to find a way to get more leverage or to get a punch on it. Sounds like fun.

Have you checked the output of the pump? See if it is flowing fluid?

Sometimes the vans hang in the rotor, usually when new, and the assembly lub drys up and gets gummy.

Has the pump ever worked?

So there is an easy test for the pump.

If you can see fluid movement in the reservoir with the engine idling, then turn the input shaft of the steering box, or have a helper turn the steering wheel, If the flow/movement stops and wheels/tires don't turn to the side, the pump is not producing pressure. You may need to reroute the return line from the side of the reservoir to the top so you can see the fluid flow.

If the pump is not making pressure, than sometimes revving the engine will get the vanes to fly out and start the pump working.

If you go to lares I think they can put in a better ratio.  With my 66 dated gear box I put the input and worm from a Jeep grand cherokee 12:1 ratio box, and took  the rag joint shaft fitting off(3/4) to fitted it to  the 66 rag ran joint.  The only visual look is the 3”4 fitting replacing the 13/16” Fitting.  You still have the pressure and return as original.  No adaptors.   Just a thought

Larry I had my knee replaced a few months back and have a Cryocuff for my Knee. It saved me from the pain and swelling so I could sleep and during the day. You are welcome to borrow it if you want, I can drop it off at your place. I even had to get my Covid shots as well.

I replaced the gearbox. The check valve was pounded in crooked, blocking the flow. It has been snowy since, but it works sitting in the garage.

I am now in the eighth month since my knee replacement, and the latest guess of what went wrong and how to fix it seems to be working. There is a muscle behind the knee that appears to have been damaged, and with months of not doing the correct therapy, nothing was in the shape it should be. I have physical therapy scheduled through the middle of March, and I seem to be on track. FINALLY!

Meanwhile I have carpal tunnel surgery scheduled for next week, so I will be just like new.

Thanks for asking.