Chris, John, Ian,

Thanks for the suggestions.  Today, after changing oil and filter in preparation for this year, I jacked up the front and took the weight off the front tires then tried to turn the steering wheel.  It felt like you'd expect PS to feel like, almost effortless.  I checked the PS reservoir and it was low, so low that it took probably 9/10 of a quart of ATF (I couldn't find Type A and the guy at the parts counter wasn't helpful about substitutions.  I found at another store that Dex/Merc covers Dextron III which I think was one of the allowable replacements for Type A.  After filling the reservoir the PS worked fine, just as it should.  So after a serious self-butt-kicking I realized that was probably the problem last year.  Embarrassing.  Not to minimize my shame, I guess always being in a rush when I'm visiting mom (I live a days drive away) causes one to not always be as thorough as they normally might be.

So on to the next problem with the PS system.  Why would it spit fluid out of the filler cap?  I had it covered with aluminum foil wired on today - that is what I did to keep the PS fluid from spraying onto the operator's clothes and into the operator's face.  

Would it be reasonable at this point to completely drain, flush, and refill the PS system with new ATF?  Is there any possibility that the spitting will just go away by replacing the existing fluid with new?  Is there a specific procedure to drain and refill the PS system?

One or more of the hoses is leaking at the pump, I'll have to get the leakers fixed but it will probably have to wait for my next trip to visit mom as I dont have time left in this trip.  Maybe I could replace some hose clamps.

hanging head....

Buck's550