In case anyone has not yet heard, my power steering pump has blown a shaft seal, and we've been dumping hydraulic fluid into the engine crankcase (read all about it here: http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/2007/12/blog-readers-to-rescue.html (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/2007/12/blog-readers-to-rescue.html)). A quick engine oil change, coupled with changing to 15W-40 in the steering system, has averted disaster and allowed us to fulfill our mission with the American Red Cross ("because Help can't wait..."). However, we will soon be finished with our relief operation here in Beaverton, Oregon, and we will need to get the pump repaired or replaced before we drive too much further.
Unfortunately, it will be pushing up against Christmas when we finish here, so I suspect we will be more or less stuck here through the holidays.
In any case, we are looking for a shop in the Pacific Northwest that can do the work. The closer to Portland, Oregon, the better, since we're loath to drive it this way any further than we have to. It also must be a shop that will allow us to live aboard while the work is in progress -- especially if the pump will need to be sent out to a rebuilder. Any and all recommendations are welcome.
For the record, yes, I am already familiar with Southern Oregon Diesel in the Roseburg area. That's a bit further than we'd like to drive from here, if at all possible. Also, David Gregory is, I think, in Mexico at the moment, and he's been reluctant to work on Odyssey in the past. Also for the record, I do not have the means to remove and replace the pump myself, nor do I know if it is a Vickers, Eaton, or some other make of pump. It's not really possible to get to it without a pit or a lift.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions. You can email me directly, but posting them here will benefit more people.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
Sean, have you tried Dick Kaiser at Kaiser Wheel in Eugene. I do not have his phone number but you can get it from Dick Wright
Sean,
Hillsboro Diesel Is the best and about as close to Beaverton as you'll find. They have hundreds of man years of 2 cycle Detroit experience and did a fine job rebuilding my 8V71. Very friendly family owned business. 503 640 9464
Regards
Jerry
4107 1120
Thanks, everyone. We had the pump replaced at Raz transportation, the Coach USA affiliate here (who got me a great price on a new pump, thanks to their volume discount from MCI).
We then had to have the main and rod bearings replaced, at Hardy Diesel (long story).
I posted a summary in this other thread: http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=6583.msg66140#msg66140 (http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=6583.msg66140#msg66140)
Full details, as always, on the blog.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com