With the temps here hitting -45 degrees with the wind chill I'm starting to have some issues with things like starting and the power steering pump. I'm already trying to track down a magnetic block heater that I can stick on the oil pan and am hoping to find one that has a battery blanket with it. The other issue is that the darn PS fluid has frozen to the point that it is foaming out of the top of the reservoir and the pump makes a terrible noise for a few minutes while it tries to warm up.

1) Any of you know of a block heater set up that includes a provision for the power steering pump/res?

2) Perhaps some "cold weather PS fluid"?

Thanks in advance.

 

When was the last time you changed your power steering Fluid(ATF) It needs changed like other fluids unless you have the wrong fluid in there???

I just installed a lower radiator hose heater in my 4 Runner

Sure makes it nice to just hit the key and have it start right up on these cooler mornings

 

How have you made out??

 

I don't have that kind of cold here in Oklahoma. But mine was making noise and I used the Lucas power steering fluid and it cut the noise out of mine.

 

I use Mobil1 ATF, (My manual calls for ATF not PS fluid) Synthetic does have a wider temp rating in general.

Normally foaming is a sign of air in the system.

 

i would just move...... thats stupid cold...

as for your question, change the fluid for some synthetic. it might help.

 

I've sold a couple magnetic block heaters and heard good things back from my customers. Napa sells Katz heaters. I think the bigger of the magnetic heaters part # is 1160. Other than that guy you got the option of freeze plug or dipstick heaters.

Edit....that part # is the small engine heater. Can't remember the bigger. lol. Heard good things about the lower rad hose heater too.

I would also use a synthetic fluid, lucas, royal purple, valvoline. I don't know if our runners use ATF?I've always just used regular old power steering fluid. I think Merc 6 or 7 is a synthetic ATF.

Good luck! I remember back in december in colorado elk hunting it was -20 two mornings, and my 4runner just said no. didn't start till 10 am.