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I tried to check the power steering fluid level today. Am I missing something or do I have to remove the radiator hose? I was able to unscrew the cap but it can not be pulled out because the hose is right on top of it. Hard to believe it was designed like this.
...Jimmy
Just did this yesterday. I just shoved the hose out of the way while removing the cap. There is enough flex in the hose to do it. Cold engine, of course.
Some I have had to attack over the years, have had the wrong length p/steer belt fitted, so the angle of the dangle of that filler spout is blocked by that hose.
HOWEVER, to change that belt requires a special talent, and HEAPS of alcohol.
Yeah, but wait until you try and top up the reservoir, then the fun really begins.
The best way I have found is a biggish syringe, the sort that vets use.
That's vetinarians, not veterans.
Obviously.
Well...I tried again this morning. The hose won't move because the cap is very close to the end of the radiator hose and only about 1/2" from it. I plan on changing out the thermostats soon, so I'll check the fluid and replace radiator hose while I'm at it. Check out the pic, taken from under the filter housing. Gotta love these smart phones!
Here I thought I'd be able to swoop in and do some good for a change, but judging by that photo, your dangle angle is more mangled than mine was. All I had to do to free the cap was loosen the hose clamp and give it a bit of a twist. Then again, I've got an '88 and I keep forgetting the 6.0L is a horse of a different color.
Grant's belt idea, with or without the prescribed heaps of alcohol, might be your best bet.
Never tried it on that situatin. but, a plumbrer's basin wrtench for the cap and a a turkey baster to squirt in fluid. Best not returned to the MRS' pantry, just let it disappear ands bvecome a garage tool.
[QUOTE=
Good to see another RE rider, by the way.[/QUOTE]
This Jag is the only vehicle that requires more maintenance than an RE!
So, why do I love both of them? Ever thought about the fact that the RE cylinder size is the same as one of the V12's.
Cheers...Jimmy
My notes state a 13A1080 as the p/steer belt for the 6ltr.
Maybe the old belt still has numbers available, and then a simple cross reference will establish wrong or right belt actaully on the car.
The 5.3 states a 13A1090 belt, so 10mm longer.
MAYBE???, someone put the "1090" on it, not realising its a 6ltr,whereas the "1080" would have that cap just inside that hose and slightly easier to get at.
Grant...now that I developed the steering rack leak...this pump got a little higher on the priority list. (I think the Jag did it on purpose).
I just spent about 2 hours getting the old belt off. It is so short that with the pump adjusted all the way in, it was still not loose enough to get off. I ended up cutting it off. The belt was a 13A1075. I know the 1075 belt can't be correct because the adjuster still had about 2.5 inches of threads thread left for tightening.
The new belt needs to be at least 1 inch (25mm) longer in order for the pump to be in a position (outside the hose) that I might be able to remove the cap for checking fluid level and filling. I am going to the parts store and see what they have. Then I can start on the steering rack (jump for joy!)
I installed a Duralast 13A 1120mm. It fit perfectly. The tensioner is right in the middle of it's travel and the pump is now accessible. (see pic) I looked at several websites and they all have the recommended size at 1075 to 1090. I'm not sure why my car would be different, but the 1120mm is the correct size.
...Jimmy
Steering fluid question
