69 550 Power Steering Pump???

I think the power steering pump may be shot on dad's 550. The tractor is the 1969 model that has PS driven from the engine, not attached to the generator. Problems are that it spits fluid from the filler cap on top of the hood and when I try to turn the wheel it turns easily just a bit (like the PS is working), then it is stiff (like when the engine isn't running). I suspect that the initial easy operation is due to slop in the steering linkage until the slack is taken up. The pump has had a leak for years at one of the hose connections, I'm assuming the pump outlet (under pressure), which caused us to continually keep an eye on fluid level and top off as needed. I suspect that different types of ATF were added that may have damaged the seals (or whatever mixing types causes).

Is there a filter that may be blocked that may, mercifully, be able to be cleaned that might solve the problems? Any other ideas that might cause these symptoms?

Failing that, can I assume from the posts I've seen here that Agco doesn't offer a replacement pump? I think I read somewhere that the pump is a Chevy model from a certain year. Does anyone know the specific model and year so I can order one if needed?

Thanks for any help you guys can provide.

Buck's550

I am out of town for a few days. Find me on the HPOCA site. I have some pointers but need to look in a book first

(quoted from post at 11:02:39 03/05/11) I am out of town for a few days. Find me on the HPOCA site. I have some pointers but need to look in a book first

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I posted in the Oliver forum there. I live a days drive from the tractor but will be there for a few days next weekend.

I look forward to any help to get the power steering fixed on this nice tractor.

Buck's550

The pump that attaches to the back of the generator is the same as '57 Chev. Don't know what would cross to the belt driven pump, but I suspect there are a variety of pumps you could adapt and use. Mainly a matter of making a mounting bracket.

Thanks Mike. I have such limited time home and even more limited time to work on the tractor that I want to see if there is something that may be easy to fix, or off the shelf if not a simple filter to clean or some other easy fix before I consider trying to adapt something. I don't really have the tools there either.

Can't figure out why the fluid was spitting out of the filler cap. I thought something must be plugged up, but maybe the pump is so worn that it just churns the fluid to a froth and it sprays then.

I assume rebuild kits are not available either as I haven't read anything about them.

Not sure knowing which model 1950's or 1960's Chevy model will be helpful either; I'm sure those aren't just lined up on the shelves at the local parts houses either!