Hi everyone,

I'm in the process of getting all the parts together for a power steering conversion on my MK2. I've purchased a second-hand reservoir but it's minus the filler cap (original part number - 8281). Unfortunately, despite a thorough search of the internet, I cannot even find a clear picture of same, let alone one for sale anywhere. If any members have power steering on their car could they please post a picture (top and underneath) of same. I presume the cap is just a cap (ie - not pressure operated like a radiator cap). That being the case I'm hoping a generic version may suffice. Thank you all in advance.

 

I have a spare but it is on the spare PAS reservoir I have and I am loath to split them. In the morning I could take some photos of the cap for you and post them.

 

That would be great - thanks ever so much. Seems strange that none of the usual suppliers list the part - it may be that any standard expansion tank cap would do. Kind regards Keith

 

Those caps have been out of stock for a while. I got a new one from Barratts. You could modify a standard radiator cap to do the job. It only needs to seal around the top.

 

Here you go.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stainless...-/163517563046

 

Thanks for that Glyn - that's answered my question. Regards Keith

 

I had the same issue. My original cap was in terrible condition. After searching forever, I bought EAC3424* From SNG Barratt and it is essentially the same as the original. The embossed printing is a little different but the shape and construction were identical or nearly so. It fits perfectly.

 

Huh! They've got some EAC3424* s in stock. They had run out of them as well. Thanks.

 

That's brilliant ! Thanks everyone. What would we do without such helpful members on this forum. I don't suppose any members know where I can find a used coupling for the pump/dynamo (C14936) - that's the only part I'm short of now for my conversion (I've got a wedding to do in a couple of months - lol !). Thanks in advance.

 

Some more photos of the cap and some next to the radiator cap showing the difference. When you buy one make sure it is vented. The original has a small pin hole in the top if not you will get a vacuum build up in the system which might impair the workings of the hydraulic system.
Again I have a spare coupling but not for sale as they are no longer available but I think I have my old one lying a round. It is worn but functional. It is the rubber pads in the centre of the coupling that tend to wear out. SNG do sell them but they are made to order and very expensive. I will try and find my old one and let you know.

 

That's brilliant - thanks Cass3958. I've purchased a non-pressurised cap from Leacy Classics this morning and I'll certainly check for the pinhole as advised (drill small hole in centre if not already there). With regards the dynamo coupling I suppose SNG (& Norman Motors) would argue that they've had to find a manufacturer that can produce quite a complex item (I suppose it's bonded in the same way that the Metalastic mounts were) that has to lead quite a lot of twisting motion - an average of £200 plus is VERY pricey though. I don't really want to fit a used unit if it's badly worn but I'll wait for you to check and I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Keith

 

This is my old one in a photo (I have not found it yet though) compared to the newer one I was able to find a couple of years ago. As you can see it is a metal ring with a cross cut from the middle which is rubber bonded. The old ones tend to wear out the rubber and obviously the worse the wear the quicker they wear so eventually you get metal to metal with wear on the driving dogs that sit in the cross.
Even with this wear I did not find the pump made a noise and it still worked but I did have a problem with my PAS pump so swapped it out for a spare I had and whilst doing so found this damage on the dog and ring. I bought a couple of these rings and driving dogs from a guy who refurbished the old generators and he had a pile of PAS pumps lying around which he did not have any use for so was selling them off. I think I paid £20 each and made sure I bought two. In hind sight I should have bought everything he had at the time but there you go.

New PAS coupling compared to the old worn one.

Old PAS coupling showing the damage to the driving dog caused by the wearing away of the rubber insert.

 

Thanks for that - I see what you mean about the wear - obviously it's the constant twisting motion that eventually causes the wear you can see. Don't worry about finding that worn one - I wouldn't be happy about installing it. Out of interest do you recall the name/details of the person you bought your new ones from ? There must be loads sitting on shelves around the country just waiting for MK2 owners - lol !

 

Captain Q this is your lucky day. I have just phoned a contact of mine and in the post tomorrow I will be receiving a good secondhand coupling and drive dogs. I will send you my phone number via a PM so if you want to call me we can arrange a deal.

 

These are the folk that sell good used Jaguar rear dynamo couplings for PAS pump. (so called "star drive"). I bought a spare from them.

Carolyn Brankin

[mailto:classic_vintage_dynamos@yahoo.co.uk]

 

Thanks for that contact Glyn, I have sent quite a few feelers out this morning to Dynamo/Alternator rebuilders, that being one of them. Kind regards - Keith

 

Same folk Cass got from. Very helpful. Sorry. I did not see Cass message while I was searching Outlook for their e mail address.

 

The rubber mount is not to keep things quiet, but to cushion the uneven load of the pump on the drive dog.
You can clearly see what happens to the steel once the rubber is worn out on steel to steel contact.

XK's Unlimited made an alternator conversion and the power steering would just stop working because the conversion drive was just steel on steel.
It would eventually just wear and twist right off.

 

Thanks JeffR1. I agree, it's similar to the coupling fitted inside the snout of the Supercharger - they also suffer over time and create a right racket.

 

Just for clarity when I said you could use/modify a standard radiator cap if stuck in post #4. I meant one for a car with a surge tank & top sealing rubber. You could use as is or cut out the spring & bottom seal & flange, valve etc. Anyway ~ better to have the right thing. Problem solved.