Did I trash my Pump?

[slow_90firebird]

well decided to leave this for another thread... 1993 W250 Auto

If you read my other you know that I just replaced the PS pump. Well, I could not for the life of me get the new pump to line up the drive cog inside the vacuum pump. Even had a friend over to try while I turned the alternator pulley. Finally convinced me to take the vacuum pump off too and do it on the workbench.

We had it where it sounded like it clicked in and we were tightening the 4 nuts onto the studs (drawing it together) which I wasnt happy with. When it was real close I noticed the pump gear wouldnt turn anymore. And the steering pump was going in crooked.

Got it corrected and put it back together, and back on the truck, then I found the spacers in the oil drain pan so back apart and back together it was.

Finally got the job done and everything seems to work great. Today I notice truck is leaving small drips, and its coming from where (for lack of better description) the "male" end of the steering pump mates the "female" end of the vacuum pump. And sure enough the oil is very black (overdue LOF) and not red at all from the steering fluid.

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I found a cummins P# from a google search that led to a post on cumminsforum about "resealing" the vacuum pump. Do you guys think this would work to fix it, or did I bend some shaft or something causing the seal to leak?

Thanks I really dont have the money for a reman vacuum pump they are expensive!!!

[ellis93]

I "believe" you'd ruin the power steering pump before you'd hurt the vacuum pump. I've been involved with one job that had gone like yours has and the PS pump was ruined before the VC unit.

The reseal kit works great from geno's,I've used it.

I think maybe you just corrupted the old hard seal.

[slow_90firebird]

Ok thanks well I actually drove down to cummins tonight to buy the seal kit before they closed it was $14.

Not looking forward to doing it all over again...

I was thinking more about it and if I had bent or tweaked something in there, the assembly would probably still be a little reluctant to spin easily I would imagine. Mine still spun great put together the final time...

[slow_90firebird]

Ok guys resealed the vacuum pump last night. And degreased it again at the car wash... Today will be moment of truth...

Also figured out why I had so much trouble! That fat yellow washer with the cross cut in it to drive the steering pump is a little over cut so it has wiggle room. If the vac pump shaft is vertical, that washer drops down enough so the steering pump won't engaga