Grapple WR Long 3rd function valve issue

[Samandothers]

Hey folks hope i am posting this in the correct place. I have a WR long 3rd function valve on my grapple. It has worked without issue for many years (6 or 7). I don't use my tractor and grapple every week so unit probably has less than 500 hours.
This week end the 3rd function valve would open the grapple without issue. However close only worked a time or two right after starting the tractor and then only for short distance or amount, not even enough to close a quarter of the way. I could then open the grapple but try to close and nothing. no solenoid clicking or anything on close.

I am not a mechanic by any means and know less about hydraulics. I was thinking it might be the rocker switch. Before ordering one I thought I'd check with you guys to see if any of you had any similar experience with a 3rd function valve. I used an ohm meter on the switch and it seemed to make contact (close) in both rocker directions. I thought maybe it might react different if there was load versus just resistance test.

I hope some of you have some insight. Miss my grapple!

 

[Cataclysm]

I'd test it at the solenoid for 12v. Then swap solenoids and see if it will close and not open.

 

[woody]

+1 check the voltage at the solenoids

 

[sdef]

I had a similar problem on mine shortly after delivery of the tractor. Drove me nuts. Called the dealer and we worked it together over the phone to no avail. I went through all of the electrical checks. Dealer got WR Long involved who was going to ship me a new solenoid. When as a last resort Long had me reseat all of the third function hydraulic couplers. All of them felt like they had normal coupling/decoupling. But reseating these fixed my problems and that was over 300 hours ago with no further issues. It seems a hydraulic coupling can appear to be coupled properly, but iinternally, there can be no fluid flow. No idea how that affects the "clunking" of the solenoid, but assume with no fluid flow, no clunk.

 

[SSdoxie]

I think SDEF is on the right path. Check the grapple couplers. The loss of operation in 1 direction, tires to move or moves partially then stops is what we see when a loose QD on the loader function happens. Disconnect both couplers, inspect the poppets in both females and males to make sure they are setting straight and not stuck and an angle. Use caution trying to reconnect as there will be pressure build up in the line(s) if this is the problem.

 

[Friend Of Coal]

Hey folks hope i am posting this in the correct place. I have a WR long 3rd function valve on my grapple. It has worked without issue for many years (6 or 7). I don't use my tractor and grapple every week so unit probably has less than 500 hours. This week end the 3rd function valve would open the grapple without issue. However close only worked a time or two right after starting the tractor and then only for short distance or amount, not even enough to close a quarter of the way. I could then open the grapple but try to close and nothing. no solenoid clicking or anything on close. I am not a mechanic by any means and know less about hydraulics. I was thinking it might be the rocker switch. Before ordering one I thought I'd check with you guys to see if any of you had any similar experience with a 3rd function valve. I used an ohm meter on the switch and it seemed to make contact (close) in both rocker directions. I thought maybe it might react different if there was load versus just resistance test. I hope some of you have some insight. Miss my grapple!

I had a similar issue the other day. It would open but not close. It ended up being the thumb switch. Easy to diagnose. The switch had one red wire in the middle and two black, one for each switch. I swapped the black wires and it worked to close the grapple. I did have to have both black wires hooked up or nothing worked.

Hopefully yours will be this easy. Good luck finding a momentary switch. I had to get mine from the dealer for $15.

 

[N2DFire]

I could then open the grapple but try to close and nothing. no solenoid clicking or anything on close.

If you aren't hearing the solenoid click when you press the button - then you have an electrical problem not a hydraulic one.

As Cataclysm and woody have already stated, If you have a volt meter then hook it at the solenoid end and see if you get voltage when you press the button. If not you have a bad switch (most likely) or a break in the wiring (second most likely) and if you do have voltage then you have a bad solenoid (possible but not nearly as likely)

The intermittent operation almost leads me to think break more than switch. Again some quick multi-meter testing at the switch would help prove or disprove this theory.

I'm not familiar w/ the W. R. Long switch set-up as I built our 3rd function set-up from scratch & used a different control grip, but if it is in fact removable / replaceable with-in the grip then it shouldn't be a big deal to fix. Just make sure any replacement switch you buy is rated to handle the current draw of the solenoid (usually from 3 to 5 Amps)

Digikey, Mouser, and Grainger are all good online sources to find a switch once you know what you need.

Good Luck & be sure to let us know what you find.

 

[Samandothers]

Thanks all for the quick replies!

I did not have a multi meter with me this weekend when I was using the tractor. It is not located where I live. I will take one back with me so I can test voltage at various locations. I appreciate the insight.

Now I have to wait a couple of weeks to go back. :thumb down:

Initially I thought I'd order a switch but when it ohm'd out ok I thought I'd wait and check with you guys. Did not what to spend the money on a switch only to have it not solve the issue.