Next problem...

I've got a semi-bad power steering leak coming from the pressure line fitting at the gear box. It leaks pretty steadily when the engine is running, and will continue to leak, but a lot slower, when the car is parked. On average, I'd say I use a bottle (12 oz) of power steering fluid every 60 miles or 3 days, which ever comes first.

My questions is, what do you think the culprit is? I've taken the pressure line off and examined the flare end, and it looks to be fine. I can't quite get a good eye on the gear box side because of that darn master cylinder. The leak seems to come from the inside of the fitting (between the nut and the hose), and the threads look fine, so I don't think it's crossthreaded. I've got a new pressure line from NAPA to put in, but the angle that the ends where pressed on, I don't think it'll snake in there correctly.

I guess I have a second part to my question now that I think about it. The power steering pump was dry when I got the car, but didn't find out for a while. So I'm sure the pump has been running dry for awhile. I've always heard that if a pump ever runs dry, you need to replace it, but I'm not sure why. Anyone know about this? Also, if I do need to replace it (which is another reason I haven't tried the new pressure line yet), the Bird doesn't have an original engine in it. Looks to be an early '73 455, so would I want to get a pump for a '69 Firebird, or a '73 455?

I think thats it. For now...