[6T4SS]

I have a 64 that I put the power steering gear box in.
I have put a 350/330 HO crate motor and was wanting to run a long water pump. I have the brackets for the long water pump 69-72.
I don't seem to be able to come up with the right power steering pump.

The problem has been the return line for the ones that I have tried to get at the local parts store.
I have tried different years 64 thur 68 -- 70 thur 74 but the return line isn't bent right.
Can anyone direct me to the right year.
I have seen many out there but failed to ask the owners what year the pump came from.
Thanks.

 

[snowtrav]

I had a similiar problem with the return line outlet hitting the mounting bracket .I ground the bracket down that was hitting the return but i could not take enough off so i impact adjusted the outlet some with a piece of wood and a hammer,it fits know.

 

[Olle]

Are you talking about the little piece of tube on the back of the reservoir? I had a similar problem when I changed the pump on my -69 but found a neat catalog at Autozone, with pictures of several different reservoirs. I have been wrong before, but I don't think you can just go by the year, it seems like it's also a matter of engine type, A/C or non-A/C etc.

I just picked one that looked similar to what I needed, and it worked just fine. If you know how the line needs to be routed, ask your favorite parts guy if they have a similar catalog, that way you might be able to pick one that works by looking at the pictures. If you ask nicely, you might even be able to order a few different reservoirs and return the ones you can't use. That's actually what they suggested at my local Autozone. Also, it shouldn't be a big deal to remove the tube and replace it if you can't find one that works. I think it's just soldered to the reservoir.

 

[JIML82]

The return tube was furnace brazed in place. I don't know the exact metallurgy of the braze material. You must use silver solder or some other very high temperature material in order to change and reattach the pipe. Otherwise, you risk some very serious leak problems.

JIML82

 

[Olle]

Correct, regular tin solder will probably be too weak. I just looked at an old reservoir, and it seems to be brass or maybe silver. If you know how to use silver solder, it shouldn't be a problem to take it off and re-route or replace it though.

 

[6T4SS]

Thanks everyone. I finally got one from Summit that I think will work and yes I was talking about the reservoir return line that was always pointed the wrong direction.
I also ordered the March P/S brackets which made it alot easier.

 

[Malibu70]

I had the same trouble when I replaced the original power steering pump in my 70 Malibu. The original power steering pump had the return line pointed down towards the crank pulley. The part-store catalog replacement for the 70 had the return line pointed to the right towards the power steering gearbox. When this replacement was mounted on the engine, the tube was within one inch of the gearbox, so there wasn't enough room to connect the hose.

At Autozone I found the pump with the correct return line direction was listed for a 72 Malibu, part number: Atsco 6000. The replacement reservoir is a more blocky shape than the original, which was an oval cylindrical shape, but it fits and operates just right.

 

[6T4SS]

Thanks Frank Bannon
I have saved your numbers.
I got the one from Summit and bent the return spout back towards the underside to get it away from the steering box when I tighten up the belt with the hose connected. Looks like it will clear the steering box now, if the reservoir don't leak.

Still in the process of putting this car together, my be spring before I get to try everything.