Lincoln/Mercury Repair: power steering cooler 91 Lincoln, continital, synthetic fluids

Question
Hello... I have a 91 Lincoln Continital 3.8  I ‘ve got a bad leak around the power steering cooler. The lines that go to the cooler seem to be dry and ok. The power steering pump itself is ok. It seems maybe the cooler could be plugged up... a couple of the fins on the cooler seem to bent up probably from a rock hitting it or something. My question is can I bypass this cooler by splicing the two hoses together or would this put to much pressure on the pump by heating up. Or should I get a replacement cooler. I only use this car locally and I’m not towing anything… I live in Florida where it’s very hot! Thanks  RL

Answer
Hey RL,

Yes, you can by-pass the cooler, but remember... it's there for a reason. That's my take on everything though. Like synthetic fluids, if it was supposed to be there, it already would be! I think you'll be fine by-passing it for awhile, I would consider replacing it though at least down the line. I tried to get you a list price on the cooler but it looks like it's obsolete. So it must have been over-kill and you will be just fine. They don't obsolete important parts and as long as your not racing Gran Prix you shouldn't overheat the pump.