D15 Power Steering Vent Tube

sulrey62

New User
New member to this forum and hopefully haven't missed a post regarding my issue. I recently purchased a 1965 D15 (gas) tractor. It's developed a fluid leak at the power steering fill/vent tube. Pretty severe. I can't seem to locate a replacement from any of the on-line suppliers. I know AC put a vent tube there for a reason, but what are my options to repair?
 
are you sure you are not filling it to full. it should just be slightly above the gear. if I over fill my d-19 it will overflow. may want to check the book for a more exact level.
 
I did check the fluid level by sticking a screwdriver down to the gear and it's about 1/2" above the gear. When running and turning the steering wheel, fluid gushes out right below the cap where there are two indentation on opposite sides of the tube. It does sound like symptoms of too much fluid, but not from all I have read.
 
I am thinking there is a gasket or copper washer on the bottom of fill tube. will try to look at my tractors tomorrow and get back to you.
 
There is a copper washer at the bottom of the tube and I've checked it. Mine was a little rough and I did some fine sanding to get some pits out of it. Some things you mentioned Oilpull made me think. There's bubbles (air) in the fluid when I look in the reservoir after it runs. Starting to think I've got a back pressure issue at the pump which might be cause for fluid to come out of the tube. There shouldn't be that kind of pressure at a vent tube. My humble opinion.
 
I was going to ask if the oil was aerated, because I don't see why it would run over when your level sounds about right. Something you could try- there's a piece of 1/2" hose on the right side, connecting the suction lines. That hardens and gets brittle over time. I think it's possible you could be drawing air in there and aerating the oil. I was able to buy a piece of generic low pressure suction hose for mine, and since it just clamps with hose clamps, it's easy to change.
Your fill cap/vent is obviously open since oil came out. It wouldn't hurt to wash it, but I don't think it, or the washer under it are your problem.
 
If the reservoir was just overfilled, it will correct itself by vomiting out the excess and then ceasing to leak. It sounds very much like air entrance thru the suction hose, hose clamps, or loose connections at either end. Also a possibility the pump shaft seal is bad and/or bearings on the shaft. Start with the easy stuff first.
 
You guys are great! I replaced the section of hose on the intake tube this evening and it was a major improvement. Still have some blow back at the vent tube, but not as severe. Going to follow your advice DrAllis and do the easy stuff first. Plan to get rubber hoses replaced and find a new vent tube washer (nylon hopefully). I've never added oil to the power steering and drove it home after I purchased it (about 40 minutes) and didn't have a problem. Hoping, it's just old rubber not wanting to come out of retirement.

Will keep you posted.
 
(quoted from post at 05:26:14 06/05/17) If the reservoir was just overfilled, it will correct itself by vomiting out the excess and then ceasing to leak. It sounds very much like air entrance thru the suction hose, hose clamps, or loose connections at either end. Also a possibility the pump shaft seal is bad and/or bearings on the shaft. Start with the easy stuff first.

Been busy getting carburator rebuilt and power steering hoses replaced. Hose replacement was an expensive step, but it has seemed to help. However, I've mowed twice with the tractor and it has used a lot of engine oil. Tractor doesn't smoke, leak, or have oil in coolant. Is it possible for engine oil to pass through the governor and in to the power steering pump? I haven't added any power steering fluid and it's still spewing although not as bad.
 
Update - Mission completed. Installed a new power steering pump shaft seal and no leaks or spewing fluid out the vent tube. Word of caution. There are two different seals for the D15 and I mistakenly ordered the wrong one. Once I got the new one installed life is much better.
 

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