temporarily plugging a power steering pump
 

I have my project engine (2018 l96 out of an express van) set up on a run stand. I would like to find an easy way to allow me to run the motor without bypassing the pump. can the pump outlets just be plugged, fluid added, and ran? or does it have to circulate? can the lines be plumbed together if so?

Re: temporarily plugging a power steering pump
 

My .02 is to loop them. I think as long as the pump is turning it's putting out some level of pressure. Maybe a -6 90 degree out the pressure side looped to the return nipple?

Re: temporarily plugging a power steering pump
 

Sounds like a bad idea to me. By looping you will be pressurizing the return side of the pump which normally does not see high pressures.

Re: temporarily plugging a power steering pump
 

How long do you plan on running it ? Just pull the belt . :chevy:

Re: temporarily plugging a power steering pump
 

I would just rather plug it.. can anyone think of why not?

the engine will run for a while..dont want to mess with the belt

Re: temporarily plugging a power steering pump
 

I'd just loop it back into the lid. It may make a mess since it's wide open and those vane pumps can move a lot of fluid when there's no restriction to the pressure.
I would zip tie it and also have a rag to keep the opening covered since it could be "splashy" in there.

Re: temporarily plugging a power steering pump
 

Another thought would be get a steering box that could be temporary and plumb the lines like normal. A used box even it leaks a bit.

Re: temporarily plugging a power steering pump
 

loop it. thats exactly how it flows when you're not turning the ps box.

Re: temporarily plugging a power steering pump
 

You can not just plug the outlet. Do. Not. Do. That.


Either feed the outlet back into the return port, or run the engine with the belt off.

Re: temporarily plugging a power steering pump
 

just a follow-up on this.. i have started the motor and connecting the hoses together works just fine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCxUIWmWNQA

Re: temporarily plugging a power steering pump
 

that thing is so quiet sounds nice

Re: temporarily plugging a power steering pump
 

I looped the pressure side back into the return and filled it with fluid....worked fine.
I'm using braided PS high pressure hose and stainless -AN fittings
2002 LS1

Re: temporarily plugging a power steering pump
 

MT dave, what power steering pump did you use? The van's come with a remote mounted reservoir, correct?

Re: temporarily plugging a power steering pump
 

nope the motor came with it right out of the van.