My control valve was leaking on my 1956 so I bought seals from Concours and proceed to make a pile of parts on my bench. With the shop manual as a coach, it was fairly straightforward. Much to my surprise I found two seals on each side of the barrel valve (that seemed like a bad omen). Anyway I was able to test it today and it seems that one side is still leaking as it's dripping from under the control ball. The outboard side seems dry. I've got it draining and my plan to verify that I put the inner seal in the correct way.

What have you guys done in the past with leaking control valves?



Thanks

Jeff

Jeff Petersen

To be honest Ive used the Lucas power steering stop leak fluid. Used in my Jackaroo [Trooper], Cuda and Fairlane the Jackaroo was leaking enough to be a worry , did it back in 2005 been fine ever since..That product seems to work well. 



"Came too close to dying to stop living now!"

In the valve seal kits I have come across (57 and up) there is three seals because the kits cover different models of valves but youre only supposed to use two of them. I don´t know about 56 and earlier but I guess they should also have one seal on each side? There is a slight different of dia meter on the inner and outer end of the valve spool on most valves I have rebuilt. If valve continues leaking after replacing seals (with correct diameter) you will probably find the cause in the valve spool or the valve bore surfaces being rusted or worn beyond limits. Spool is available, I replaced it on my 57 Ford power steering and the leak stopped.

Thanks for the tips. I didn't realize that the spool was two different diameters. Could be my problem. Since I will be taking it apart again I will do some measuring.

My bore and spool both looked reasonably good, no rust or pitting.

Jeff Petersen

I've rebuilt the valve in my 55 bird countless times. It still leaks. I have tried several methods and theories and it still leaks. And yes I run the lucas stuff in there too. At this point after carefully using a brake cylinder hone and examining the spool, I've given up on it. It's going to leak because it is worn out of tolerance or has imperfections that cannot easily be corrected. Also tried the two seal method.

FYI A brand new valve, not rebuilt is available for ROUGHLY 400 bucks. I said I would never pay that much but I've cleaned up a lot of PS fluid of my garage floor over my lifetime, so I may finally opt for that.

You can also order a new spool, BUT you won't know that will work either till you try it AND they aren't cheap either.

If you find success with your process please share.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

I tried to reseal mine with no success. I later found out that the shafts wear over time and need replaced. Sent mine off for a proper rebuild and no leaks since. Its been years and I don't remember the rebuilders name but I think I found him in Hemmings. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire