GM PS pump?

[Mad Professor]

1980s GMC PU PS is leaking, the box not the pump.

I don't always have "real" PS fluid on hand. What is better in a pinch, ATF or Ford spec hyd/gear oil? 5-gal of hyd oil is a better deal.....

I've run my 68 Camaro PS on ATF for a long time and it didn't croak......hell I even ran it with no pump when I was young and poor. When I got a pump it still worked fine......

 

[Stem]

ATF is always a go-to for PS fluid. its essentially the same thing, just ATF has detergents.

 

[Canadian farm boy]

Something of that vintage I’d be using DEX III atf without worry.

 

[Mad Professor]

ATF is always a go-to for PS fluid. its essentially the same thing, just ATF has detergents.

next question, is ford spec hyd flyid bad in a pinch?

 

[Stem]

next question, is ford spec hyd flyid bad in a pinch?

as in Ford/NH 134C etc? I don't see where it would hurt it. hell you could probably get away with 10w30 motor oil.

 

[redneckhillbilly]

my memory may or may not be correct, but I think dex merc III and aw 32 are both 10 weight oils.

I use atf in my stuff just because its easier to just have a spare quart of the another of P/S fluid.