Vickers Power steering pump leak

[Keith W Colonna]

I have had chronic leaks on two Vicker power steering pumps. It is originating from under the resevoir bowl around one of the three 0 ring seals where they seat to the pump body.
Both have been rebuilt but the problem remains. I tried to seal with aviation glue but that didn't work. I am about to use 3M 5200 or JB Weld expoxy.
This is a consistent problem and the pumps were oftern replace with another brand with a large bowl. The small Vickers though is MKII original equipment..
Any proven remedies out there? I need answers today as I am going to take drastic action soon.

[SLK]

I've had leaks under mine as well. The only time I don't have a problem is when I don't refill it with fluid. I'm wondering about taking the belt off to avoid additional wear on the pump when it doesn't have fluid. Along the same lines, I'm considering removing the AC pump from the belt while I'm at it for the same reasons.

[Barry Wolk]

Why not use a gas tank sealer?

[Nick DeSpirito]

Keith,

Both Eaton and Vickers were used on the Mark II.

[Keith W Colonna]

Hello Nick
You are right, both were used. I read in Buddy's book (or maybe the MKII encyclopedia that the Eaton was used by Dealers to replace the temperamental Vickers. I spoke with an expert this week though who says a correctly rebuilt Vickers is possible.
My liquid gasket and new 0 rings did not work today and this was an already rebuilt unit which leaked from day one.
So I will dismantle the #%^* thing and take it to a hydraulic contractor for military ships....their tech folks love these old car gremlins.
If anyone else has any ideas....please chime in.

[Barry Wolk]

Could there be a crack in the housing?

[Keith W Colonna]

Barry,
I am pretty certain the leak is coming from where the reservoir meets the housing. The housing itself was rebuilt and painted and no problems there.
The return tube coming off the reservoir on the first unit leaked....we welded that but the other leaks on that unit also came from the bottom.
Now, on this second unit the leaks are identical...bottom of the reservoir and I have disassembled it twice, cleaned it with brake cleaner, examined and seen no cracks in the reservoir.
I am taking it off again shortly...I'll double check for cracks,,,then I'm off to the shop to get this fixed once and for all.
I'm still considering 3m 5200....VHT gasket maker with new 0 rings did nothing.
I looked at the exploded drawing in the MKII tech manual and it shows normal O rings for the three openings in the bottom of the Vickers pump reservoir.
Today though....we're going to uber-engineer it shut I hope.

[Keith W Colonna]

Update on Vickers steering pump leak......it still leaks. The hydraulic techs at the industrial supply shop had some special crush and expand 0 rings which they guaranteed would solve the problem. Well, the two bolts through the bottom of the reservoir bowl don't leak now....but the 3rd 0 ring seal where the reservoir dumps into the pump housing still leaks. And the bowl is flat and true, no cracks. It must be a design flaw. Does anyone know of a source for a replacement/guaranteed Vickers power steering pump?...I'm going to try Lares...they do gear boxes.

[Don Henschel]

As a last resort I use Loctite 515 on really tough leaks. It looks kinda like strawberry jam and doesnt set up until you assemble the parts. I would rather see you use this than seal all or epoxy. It sets up to a flexable plastic. Use brakeclean to remove grease, oil, etc. There is a primer for it as well which causes it to set up alot faster, but you will have to be quick because it works like a catalyst. I seldom use a sealant, but if there is a small flaw or scratch in the sealing surface this sometimes helps
http://www.loctite.sg/sea/content_data/93791_515EN.pdf
Use it sparingly on the o-rings or seals (static or non moving seals only).
As for leaks, I am very lucky as mine doesnt leak at all. I think I have a Vickers, it looks like the one shown in the MarkII OEM shop manual. I tried to upload a scan but it failed.

[Keith W Colonna]

Thanks Don....I'll try the Locktite Friday. I took it to my mechanics today and we are looking at every possible leak source.

[Don Henschel]

Hey Keith can you take a picture of your Vickers pump before you install it. I havn't looked into what the two different pumps look like and I probably have a Vickers (doesnt leak a drop:D) so I am quite thankful! One of the power accessories that hasnt died on me yet. There has to be a good reason for your leaks, they can't be all that bad or like my "tea pot" I am a lucky minority!