nickg

posted this on the Cummins forum as well:

I've always done the turkey baster method on my PS fluid during my normal servicing of my truck. that PS fluid is severly overworked and most guys/gals dont ever give it a second thought, about the only time anyone looks at it is when they loose brakes or steering, or after start up on a cold morning hear a groaning and see a huge puddle of PS fluid bubbling up outta the PS resivoir.

There are 2 ways to "flush" the system, you can unhook the return lines and crank the truck over, while filling the resivoir quickly, or some version of the same. this way can be messy and or timely, either way not my favorite choice, I like simple and easy

Second choice is the turkey baster method, easy to do but, you can only suck 2-3oz at a time, and would have to do it 8-9 times, edventually over time you will replace most of the oil.

on to the fancy little pump I found, while browsing thru my local surplus store (Princess Auto for all the Canadian viewers). Its a gear oil pump for out board motors, basically used to pump oil into the gear end of the outboard, I would think any "pump" that you would find on a soap despenser would work just as well, mine was on sale for 5$, it came with adapters to screw into the outboard foot, I just cut them off . with this little hand pump the straw part can easily get to the bottom of the resivoir, there are only a couple of spots that go to the bottom and they are easily found once you start poking the straw around in the resivoir.
With the pump I managed to get 16oz (1/2 a quart) out in one shot!! took about 15second to do this. only problem was I only had 16oz of PS fluid on hand, so on my next service interval, I'll suck it out again and replace another 16oz

wish I had found this a yr or so ago..

tesla440

very cool! good idea.

Lt.B

I use the same fluid extractor that I use for flushing brake fluid. Its an air operated vacuum bleeder.I start by removing the fluid in the reservoir and refilling,then I start the truck and suck out the reservoir and pull it down low and add some more fluid. repeat the process until the fluid cleans up. It takes about 2 quart and the fluid is like brand new. Its more like a flush than just an exchange and It gets all of the fluid. You can turn the wheels back and forth during the procedure a couple times if you like but it doesnt seem necessary.

billmac

Thanks for posting this Nick. I need to change out the fluid in my truck. Since I can't buy Valvoline Synpower fuid anymore I've been thinking about the Amsoil product. Does it take 3 pints to change out the reservoir and pump? I'm just wondering about how much of the Amsoil product I should buy.

cmac

i have the same little pump you have. i found mine at either auto zone, o'reilly's, or advance auto parts. cant remember which but it works good for filling up the front and rear end housings.

Dr. Evil

Very timely thread Nick...I have to do this myself. Have the Amsoil and that same pump.

ric o'shea

Thanks for the tip. I'm also guilty of overlooking the PS fluid change.

nkennedy

What am going to do with the oily turkey baster now though?

Busboy

I also use the same vacuum bleeder that is for bleeding brakes and clutches. If using the "turkey baster" method you can completely empty the reservoir and it takes one full bottle (one US pint). I don't know how much the entire system takes as I always do it a bit at a time.

SIXINAROW

I use the vacuum method for fluid extraction,a cheap shop vac with 5/16 3/8 1/2 rubber hoses and duct tape.Can't even finish a beer it's done.

bansh-eman

Those pumps are great! I got one for putting fluid in my diffs and T-Case! makes it much more simple!

dozer12216

For a partial change of fluid I can see the benefit. But when the pump is groaning and chattering, it's better to drop the return lines into catch can, plug off resivor tubes and run 5 seconds, refill, run 5 sec while turning wheels and pumping brakes. Takes about 2 qts to get a clean flow. Reconnect, fill and run for 15 seconds and let set for 15 minutes to allow aireation to disapate. Fill and repeat till no bubles in fluid. Do not overfill. Use correct fluid based on year. 03 and later use atf+4 while earlier use PS fluid. Lubeguard PS additve also helps.

Astro

I prefer to use this...

MOC Deluxe Power Steering Flush Machine

But, since I sell & service this equipment...it's just convinient for me

15 Digger

I was wondering if one of those small electric fish tank pumps with small tubing would work.

Astro

The turkey baster is great if you have patience. You can go to Harbor Freight, or maybe a Marine supply store and buy a fluid transfer siphon tube that has a section of hose on each end of a hand squeez thingy or a jack style pump. Put one in the the reservior, put another in a bucket or bottle. Pump until you get most fluid out. Repeat a couple times after filling with new fluid, starting engine, & turning wheels back & forth and you'll have about 85% of the old fluid out. You can also use a drill to power a bilge type pump.

Hell, get two, one with new fluid going into the reservior, have your friend in the truck turning the wheel back & forth while you pump away...out with the old, in with the new. It's basically what the machine pictured above does...has two lines, both going into the reservior...sucks out the old and replaces with new at the same time...takes less than 5 minutes.

Hand Pump


Siphon Pump


Drill Pump