Hi folks,

I’ve been noticing that my van smelled stronger then usual and stronger than other vans after a ride.  Hot oil smell. 

I tracked it down with friends help to a small leak from the Power Steering reservoir.  It would drip and over time end up on the hot exhaust. 

We tried tightening clamps, no improvement. 

I consulted with Dennis and I ordered a new reservoir and a hose kit.  The kit only included one hose and a banjo fitting. And some hardware.  
Once they arrived I was ready to try to solve the leak.
We tightened clamps more, still leaking.
        We tried to determine the leak origin but could not. 

Finally we decided to change both the reservoir and the bottom hose. 

Wow, that was harder then it should have been! 

The first challenge was getting the hoses off the reservoir.  They were stuck. Finally we cut them a bit and pulled. Nothing!  They would swist but not come off.  

So we cut more and finally got them off.

Then, putting it back together! 

The new hose no problem. The top hose? Ugh! 

So what is the secret to getting that hose back on the reservoir? 
We finally had to resort to a little AT oil on the fitting and warming the hose with a heat gun on low.  We pushed and twisted until on.
This is the old hose and in the top position.  I”m concerned we put that old hose through terrible stress.  But it is on.

After a few short drives and then a longer one, no leaks. 

So, not sure what the issue was.  I’m keeping the old reservoir as a spare but hopefully the new one will hold up and not leak.
Hopefully the hoses will also hold up, old and new.

Anyone no the trick to putting that top hose on?

And, my van has been cleaned of old oil and the smell now after a drive is the same as friends vans! 

Eric Caron 
85 GL Auto