FEL bucket not staying up

[LD1]

There are no seals inside the valve that actually seal the different functions. Only case seals that seal where the spool protrudes from the casting.

A piece of debris or something hanging the spool up is indeed a likely cause, and thus disassembly and cleaning is a possible fix. but if that dont work.....valve replacement is only solution. As again....its metal on metal....there are no seals. You will see that first hand when you have it apart

 

[747driver]

There are no seals inside the valve that actually seal the different functions. Only case seals that seal where the spool protrudes from the casting.

A piece of debris or something hanging the spool up is indeed a likely cause, and thus disassembly and cleaning is a possible fix. but if that dont work.....valve replacement is only solution. As again....its metal on metal....there are no seals. You will see that first hand when you have it apart

I am hoping I find something in the spool valves when I clean it ! The Kioti mechanic says they don't see to many loader valves go bad....usually the spool valve.

 

[ritcheyvs]

Got off the phone with the kioti dealer. He said to take out the 2 spool valves first and clean them good and that maybe there is a blown seal. The loader valve is $1300 ! I will start with the simple stuff first !!!

In addition to the actual spools, each spool has a centering mechanism (positioner), under the cap opposite where the cables attach. This mechanism (if failed) could easily cause your symptoms. To remove the spool. you need to first remove the cable, then remove the cap opposite the cable, then withdraw the spool and centering mechanism as a unit. The centering assembly (positioner) isn't cheap but still much cheaper (and easier) than replacing the whole valve.

 

[747driver]

In addition to the actual spools, each spool has a centering mechanism (positioner), under the cap opposite where the cables attach. This mechanism (if failed) could easily cause your symptoms. To remove the spool. you need to first remove the cable, then remove the cap opposite the cable, then withdraw the spool and centering mechanism as a unit. The centering assembly (positioner) isn't cheap but still much cheaper (and easier) than replacing the whole valve.

I just looked at the parts diagram. Your assessment is right on. Now I will have a better idea at what I am looking at tomorrow. Thanks !!

 

[747driver]

Looks like I found the problem. Took both spool valve's out this morning. Both show wear but the dump/curl valve was dirty and showed more wear. Will replace both valves since I have it apart.

 

[ritcheyvs]

Maybe JJ or someone with more hydraulic experience can comment on your photos. But it is not obvious to me that that visible surface wear would cause your problem. Also, did the problem start suddenly? If so, that's not typical of a wear issue.
Presumably, the valve body and spools are interchangeable (not matched sets) if you can order just the spools.
It would be nice if you could confirm that the curl positioner (centering springs) is correctly positioning the spool before you button everything up again.
Good luck. This has been an interesting saga.
Scott

 

[747driver]

Maybe JJ or someone with more hydraulic experience can comment on your photos. But it is not obvious to me that that visible surface wear would cause your problem. Also, did the problem start suddenly? If so, that's not typical of a wear issue.
Presumably, the valve body and spools are interchangeable (not matched sets) if you can order just the spools.
It would be nice if you could confirm that the curl positioner (centering springs) is correctly positioning the spool before you button everything up again.
Good luck. This has been an interesting saga.
Scott

This is the curl/dump spool valve. When you move the joystick the spring positions the valve to either curl or dump ? So maybe the spring positioner is bad and not moving the spool. Now this makes the most sense. Guess I could clean it up and reinstall to see if it works. I am thinking the positioner is bad.

 

[747driver]

This is the curl/dump spool valve. When you move the joystick the spring positions the valve to either curl or dump ? So maybe the spring positioner is bad and not moving the spool. Now this makes the most sense. Guess I could clean it up and reinstall to see if it works. I am thinking the positioner is bad.

View attachment 547620View attachment 547621View attachment 547622

This is the boom up/down spool. Couldn't figure out why it had a different end from the curl spool. As the positioner cap has 3 ball bearings in the bottom of it like air chuck coupler. Walla... that's for when you put the loader in the 'float' position those bearings lock into the spool valve thats on the end. Always wondered it took a little extra tug on the joystick to lock it in !!

 

[747driver]

The Saga has ended !!! After getting the spool valves out ( which helped me understand how it worked ) I completely cleaned them...re-tightened the positioners and put new grease in them . Connected the cables, which I noticed were loose so tightened them up to take some slack out. With the loose positioner, loose cable and lack of spring grease I think that was the root cause of not allowing the positioner to return to center. Started the tractor and everything worked normally, even the bucket now doesn't have any drift in it.

Since I don't get my new barn built till June, this work was done outside on the stone drive in a light cold rain !

Now to get back to finish grading out the new barn ( 30x50 ) pad.

Many thanks to all the contributors who posted here helping me with advice ! Much appreciated.....

 

[Billrog]

Good to hear your up and running !!