Low budget PS fluid cooler

[Stu Olson]

Quick and cheap installation of a small auto tranny cooler which now serves as my power steering fluid cooler.

Details at http://www.stu-offroad.com/misc/pscooler-1.htm

http://www.stu-offroad.com/misc/images/pscooler-6.jpg

[Linda]

A cooler for the power steering is not a bad idea. Big tires have a way of stressing out everything. I was planning on putting one on the ZJ.

We are still looking for that elusive secondary belt driven pump and reservoir for the Willys. The goal is to be able to run a hydraulic winch on its own pump instead of tying it in with the power steering. There is room on top of the engine for it. Willys wagons and trucks have tall engine compartments. Note: Power steering pumps on the Cummins BT series engines are gear-driven, not belt-driven. :D

The Willys will be getting a hydroboost braking system.

[Stu Olson]

Linda,

I was eyeballing a german made diesel engine earlier this week. One of several things that caught my eye was what appeared to be a hydraulic pump mounted to the alternator shaft. It was a Bosch alternator.....a traditional pulley on one end which was driven of a serpentine belt (nothing unusual there). However, the other end of the alternator had a pump attached to the extended shaft. Based on the N fittings, I would guess it to be the power steering pump or something similar in size/function.

After looking at it, I thought it was a very good idea. :D

[JamesT]

Linda,

You might want to talk to the guy that built Stu's hydroboost system. He is very willing to discuss things/ideas and has quite a few of them. If nothing else I bet they could make you one, but I bet he would know where you should look for one.

Just a thought.

[Linda]

James,

The remote pump we have been looking at was used on a tractor (or maybe for a snowplow attachment) on a B-series engine. The idea of running it off the alternator shaft is interesting, but we don't have the room. On the Cummins 4BTs, the turbo plumbing, air intake, and oil filter sit on the right side of the engine. Steve fab'd a set of custom engine mounts so that we can install an A/C compressor below the alternator, kind of like what's on the 6BTAs in the Dodge trucks. Earlier Dodge Cummins, Nissan 3.3l TDs (IH SUVs), and some GMC diesels had a vacuum pump attached to the back of the alternator that took the place of the intake manifold vacuum hose for the power brake unit.

As far as the hydroboost goes, we have experience in setup for the 4BT. Steve has a 1982 diesel Caddillac model (disc/drum) on his Scout that is more than adequate. It looks just like the one Stu has, but the company Stu bought his from sells all the little parts that make it easier to install. Anyway, CarQuest sells reman hydroboost units for around $300 (no core).

There are no increased capacity power steering pumps for the 4BT. Recall that 4BTs are mostly used in medium duty trucks so the steering pump is not wimpy, it comes with a power steering pump capable the higher psi needed for the hydroboost braking systems. Commercial trucks and tractors have a lot more room for engine compartment engine-driven accessories than do cars, light trucks, and SUVs.

[JamesT]

Linda,

The guy that did Stu's, said the volume is the problem on most pumps, not the PSI. The PSI can become a problem, the way I understand it, if the pump cannot hold the PSI while maintaining the volume.
If you are going to run hydro boost & hydro winch & PS you need a bunch of volume, especially if you happen to need them all at the same time (which could happen, in this case).

All I am saying is, you might want to talk to him, over email. He is more than willing to discuss how he thinks/knows things should be done. He is even willing to help you with over-the-counter parts selection, if it can be done with over the counter parts.

Your call though, just trying to help.

[Linda]

James,

You missed the point or misread what I wrote. I plan on running a hydraulic winch off its own pump and reservoir, not combining it with the power steering and braking. The Cummins B-series engines already have the pumps required to utilize a hydroboost system. That's how the braking systems on most trucks that use this engine are set up.

Remote hydraulic pumps are available and are a common accessory for tractors and medium-to-heavy trucks. The Cummins 4BT engine has a bunch of accessory mounting points which were designed into the engine so that it can be used for a variety of applications. Automotive engines are not built that way. The problem is finding a used pump and reservoir for a good price.

In response to your suggestion about piecing a system together: Selecting the right sized hyrdoboost unit is pretty easy once you have an understanding of automotive braking systems. The problem is in mounting it. Not many companies sell parts to retrofit a 50 year-old Willys station wagon with a 3/4-ton truck chassis and brakes, so we have to fabricate our own solution. We modified a brake pedal frame from an IH Scout to fit under the dash and provide inside bracing for the brake system. We still have to build a standoff and reinforcement for the hydroboost in the engine compartment. This isn't a big deal for us since we have most of the tools needed to make things like this. If we need to do any machining, I take it to school and use the lab there. :D

Steve and I did the research on hydroboost braking systems a few years ago and know what's needed for the Willys project.

If I owned a Jeep and wanted to go to a hydroboost system, I would go to the company Stu bought his stuff from and save the headaches for some other project. It is nice to know that there are companies that assemble kits for these type of conversions and make it easy for the do-it-yourselfer.

FWIW: I was just elected Chair of the ASU student chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. :cool:

[Marv Miller]

FWIW: I was just elected Chair of the ASU student chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. :cool:

Can't wait to see your wagon on the trail one day.
Congratulations Linda!

Marv
ASU BSMET