I got a 68 charger with a 440 and headers and the power steering is geting to hot. I took the cooler off to see just how how hot it would get and it burnt my fingers when I tried to take the metal top off. 250 degree's. Any idea's as to to why??? There is a new steering box installed by the guy I bought it from.

Thanks

I wonder if there's a prob w the box that is making the pump have to develop max psi all the time or way more than normal & that is in turn causing the pump to overwork/heat up the fluid.

Never thought about the steering box, since it was new.

How can I check it??? if anyting. Steering is fine as long as I have the cooler on the car. If I take it off and the fluid gets hot power steering goes in and out.

thanks

Sounds like one of the hoses are partially blocked causing the pump to run hot.

I will check that and what fluid should I put in it. I wonder if power steering fluid you buy today can handle the heat or should I put trans fluid in it?? if so what type???

Thanks
Nathan

The blockage/debris is in the steering gear unit. I went through this this past summer.

SO what did you do??? Sure hope you tell me something beside replace gear box

Thanks

Why not just put the cooler back on?

I don't like having the cooler on my car. It should work fine without it. Just me being picky.

My goal is to get everything working as it was from the factory then I'm going to drive it and have fun while I save my money for the upgrades.

Thanks

Motor pic. It now has the right hood and air cleaner.

it will be messy, but you should be able to disconnect the return line (plugging the reservoir so it doesnt leak) and see how much fluid is actually returning to the pump. have someone turn the wheel, lock to lock, and see what happens at the return hose. make sure you wear goggles, and have a bucket to catch the fluid in. you'll know right away, if it's the gearbox. you might also open the feed line, and see that it is pumping enough fluid as well, if the return seems weak. at least you'll know, where in the system the problem is. i kinda feel, the cooler is on the pump, for a reason myself. removing it will affect the temp.