Ford 800 power steering

[tree grower]

My 1956 Ford 850 has factory power steering. The cylinders are in good shape and my dealer rebuilt the steering box. The original steering pump was gone long before I bought it. I think the pump on it is from a Ford Escort, but not sure.--see attached pics. Label on back of pump is HBC DL. Problem is that the steering action is slow--sluggish, even when hot. I use universal transmission fluid in it per owners manual, because I don't want to risk damage to the steering box, but I am reasonably sure this steering pump used ATF in its original life. Can I improve steering reaction speed by changing to ATF in this system without damaging the steering box, or is there an alternate automotive-type steering pump I should use? Original pumps are way too expensive.

[MikeD74T]

You probably have blockage in the steering box. Mine had debris from a failed filter. If you have no manuals I recommend : 600 800 901 900 801 2000 4000 FORD TRACTOR SHOP MANUAL - eBay (item 200391102255 end time Oct-11-09 20:00:17 PDT) MikeD74T

[Soundguy]

atf will be much thinner than utf.. if you are bypassing fluid when hot with utf.. it will be worse with atf.

put a gauge ont here and see what psi you are geting hot at lock.

soundguy

[Egon]

Did it have the same problem before the steering box was rebuilt?

Is the present pump sized properly for your tractor?

Does it act the same way when both front wheels are off the ground and there should be little resistance to the steering?