355 Power Steering Pump Issue/Question

I have the 1995 system with the loose resevoir cap issue, a deisgn that was later replaced by Ferrari with a more robust system. My cap became so loose this summer that I unwisely wrapped some duct tape around the inside of the cap to 'wedge' it onto the filler neck until I could get an updated resevoir system. After driving the car for a few runs, I recently began to hear the PS pump making a noticeable 'groaning' sound when turning the steering wheel. Upon checking the resevoir cap the PS oil had broken the duct tape down and some of the tape particulate, including the filament fibers of the tape, got into the oil.

I'm guessing that the filament fibers are now obstructing the pump in some fashion and have a few questions for the group. I know that the pump is removeable from the top of the engine but is it rebuildable or should I just replace it? Also, could the particulate also get to the steering rack and cause an obstruction there? Thirdly, is there any way to flush the system without removing the pump itself? I guess I'm hoping I just shot a toe off here, not the whole foot....thanks for the feedback!

 

Update: I've learned that the reservoir has a fine mesh filter in it to prevent particulate from making it to the pump. SO, it appears that hard contaminates didn't make it to the pump. The pump growling sound could be a function of air in the system. I have an updated reservoir in-transit from Ricambi that will have the tight seal at the cap. Will flush/fill the system and test it thereafter and will report back.

 

Affirmative, that's the theory. We'll change out the reservoir, flush and re-fill the system. I'll report the results back after that...