PSF flush not changing color of fluid

[dlundblad]

I am slowly going over our new to us 1992 C1500. The PSF was black so I am doing the turkey blaster method. Removing what I can, refilling and repeating after driving a bit. The "new" is coming out as black as the old/ original did when I started the project. Currently using AutoZone store brand.

Should I keep doing what I am doing or perhaps ease up on the frequency of the siphon and refills and let the fluid clean more? We have only put about 250 miles on the truck.

 

[GSCJR]

1. Remove the return line and place it into a receptacle.
2. Plug the inlet from which you just removed the return line from.
3. Raise the front wheels off the ground.
4. Turn the wheels from lock to lock, while adding new fluid.
5. Continue until the fluid coming out looks like the fluid going in.

Do not let the fluid in the reservoir get below the minimum level during the above steps.

Good luck!

 

[Boomer]

My experience with a Chevy truck of that vintage was that the black was coming from a slow disintegration of the rubber hose. The black was carbon black from the rubber. It may help you to put fresh hoses on the system.

 

[himemsys]

I am slowly going over our new to us 1992 C1500. The PSF was black so I am doing the turkey blaster method. Removing what I can, refilling and repeating after driving a bit. The "new" is coming out as black as the old/ original did when I started the project. Currently using AutoZone store brand.

Should I keep doing what I am doing or perhaps ease up on the frequency of the siphon and refills and let the fluid clean more? We have only put about 250 miles on the truck.

If you can't or don't want to do @GSCJR 's method, then you should be fine continuing with your current method. Just do it several times or equivalent to the power steering fluid capacity or greater.

On my 2003 Civic, I did GSCJR's method and the new fluid only stayed clean looking for about 6 months. I think @Boomer is right. The old rubber hosing is discoloring the fluid.

 

[Sayjac]

From my experience, using turkey baster method will likely not get you to the clear PSF fluid you're looking for. The method described in second post likely will. If like me you're more of a visual learner, there's a some good you tube vids on how to do it. And if you happen to own a good fluid extractor, it's even easier using one than the first method. There's also a vid showing the extractor PSF exchange.

 

[GMBoy]

Do the process suggested above by @GSCJR as that is the only way to do this right and get you fully fresh fluid. Doing the turkey baster way will never get as clean and you will waste much more fluid that way. It is the really the only way to go on your system which is already old and cruddy. Now after a full flush you can do the turkey baster method like at every oil change or something and that will maintain the sytem well.

 

[Kira]

the turkey baster way will never get as clean and you will waste much more fluid

Muchmo time efficient GSCJR's way.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I use a MityVac attached to the return hose on @GSCJR method.
Suck it dry and then add fresh fluid to the reservoir.
When it pulls through, let the reservoir drain below the return port for less-messy reassembly.

 

[Astro14]

The reservoir on most PS systems is 25-30% of capacity. So, you’re not “flushing” it by sucking out and refilling the reservoir. You were exchanging a small percentage of the fluid.

Worse, there are diminishing returns.

If it’s 25% then your first turkey baste replaces 25%. The subsequent one only 18% (because 25% is now new) and you’re at 43% after two. Do a third one and get 16% out so that you’re at 60% new, with 40% old fluid.

So, a drain and fill now and then helps to keep the fluid fresh, but if you’re looking to change the color, you really need to actually flush it, and pump entirely new fluid through the system.

 

[barkingspider]

Do GACJRs method or turkey base every oil change. Either way should be fine

 

[JeffKeryk]

Pulling the return line is really easy. If you sucked out the reservoir you are already half way home.
Just my experience and 2 cents...

 

[wlk]

I am slowly going over our new to us 1992 C1500. The PSF was black so I am doing the turkey blaster method. Removing what I can, refilling and repeating after driving a bit. The "new" is coming out as black as the old/ original did when I started the project. Currently using AutoZone store brand.

Should I keep doing what I am doing or perhaps ease up on the frequency of the siphon and refills and let the fluid clean more? We have only put about 250 miles on the truck.

Keep going until it gets clean.

I have a 93 c1500 and did the method of raising the front, turning the wheels lock to lock (w no engine running) and pulling the return line to empty into bucket. Did it a few years ago with a gallon jug of Valvoline Maxlife, couple Oz of Lubegard Red (added at the end) and was glad I did. It quieted my whiny pump and I now just suck out and refill the 16oz reservoir every other oil change.

 

[Gasbuggy]

That's like draining the oil filter only and saying the engine oil color didn't change..