Frozen loader valve

[burk1953]

My loader valve on my B7510 freezes. If I let the tractor warm up for 20-30 thirty minutes ( it depends on the ambient temp. ) It will start working slowly at first until it warms up. I've changed the oil and it looks good. Is there an additive to use? Replace the loader valve? I've talked to my dealer and he said he's never heard of it happening.

 

[wdchyd]

Water in the valve bonnet cover......cover needs to come off to clean and lubricate

The cover is on the backside of the valve spool

Common problem

 

[J_J]

Although you have changed the oil, was it the right fluid for your climate?

Hyd fluid does not normally freeze, so it must have some moisture in it or like wdchyd said, there is moisture in the cans on the bottom of the valve where the centering springs and float assembly are located.

You can accelerate the temp by hold the loader valve or 3pt lever in relief for maybe 10 min. Then feel the valve and see if things are warming up.

Do a crackle test and see if any moisture is present.

 

[vtsnowedin]

A heat lamp held close to it for a while if you have power that can reach will get you going or a tea kettle full of boiling water drizzled over the ends of the spools (so it doesn't rundown into the mechanism) if your too far from the plug. Like they^ said it's most likely moisture that has got past the weather boot and is gumming up the works. If you had water in the Hydo oil itself it would be milky white from being emulsified as it goes through the pump. (Been there done that.)

 

[burk1953]

The hydraulic oil is good. I will take the valve apart and clean it up. How do I keep water out of the valve once I get it cleaned up? Should I clean the valve on a regular basis? The tractor is garage kept and rarely run in the rain. The only heavy water that it gets is from washing. This has been my only real problem since it has been new. I know when I put the mower deck up for the winter I pressure wash it up good grease it and let it run a little to get the water out of the spindles. This could be another set getting it ready for the winter. Thanks for the help

 

[vtsnowedin]

I suspect the pressure washer is the culprit. Slip a garbage bag over the valve when you wash or just take care to leave it be.

 

[Dan W]

I suspect the pressure washer is the culprit. Slip a garbage bag over the valve when you wash or just take care to leave it be.

Burk, I have the same issue with my loader valve on the B7800, have to leave it warm up for about 15 minutes. The loader will move fine up & down but the bucket won't curl, frozen solid. I didn't consider water getting in, but this sounds very likely.
JJ, would you tell me what a crackle test is, never heard of this test... Thanks

Dan

 

[J_J]

A crackle test is where you heat up some hyd fluid on a piece of tinfoil and listen and watch for the hiss of water and watching the bubbles form. If it is good fluid, it will char if the heat is left on it.

Apply heat from the bottom.

You could probably use a spoon and a lighter or small torch.

If you have water in the fluid, you will hear it crackle, hiss, or pop.

Most of the cans on the bottom of the valve has a small hole in it to drain any moisture, It should be pointed down.

 

[Dan W]

Very good JJ thanks for this, I'll run this test tomorrow morning.
We're expecting-28C overnight, with the wind chill tomorrow, might get to-35C....
I won't ask how nice the weather is in Jacksonville
Dan

 

[Industrial Toys]

I don't know the machine, but I have the same problems on several machines. Major PITA! Problem is the cables not the valve itself.