So I got this rebuilt PS pump from Auto Zone and put it on my -69... The way I have always done this is to put it on, fill it upp, steer fully left/right several times to work the fluid into the system a bit, top it off then start the engine. It usually works right away, and after steering left/right a few times with the engine at idle I just top it off again and it's ready to go. This pump seems to be dead. It turns ok, no noise, no leaks, just no power.

Some observations: I swapped the discharge fitting from my old pump, and when I did that I noticed that the plunger behind it didn't move at all, like in my old pump. I tried to press it with a screwdriver, but it didn't move at all.

Another thing I noticed was that after I filled it to the "cold" level and turned the steering wheel (car on jacks, engine off), the reservoir flooded even with the cap on. I thought I just overfilled it, but when thinking of it, I did it just like I always do it, and I have never seen a pump doing that before.

Is this just a bad pump, or did I miss something? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

As you described, if the flow control plunger (the part behind the discharge fitting) is stuck inside the pump, the pump won't operate properly. Take it back to your supplier for a new one.

Thanks! It really sucks to take that thing off and make a mess in the garage again, but it will feel much better now when it's officially declared dead. I will tell the guys at Auto Zone where to put it. I really appreciate the help!