FEL Hydraulics Just Died

[mmranch]

Thanks for the ideas.

The FEL valve block is most easily accessible as it's just under the cab stairs. Also the FEL was the only thing being used when the hydraulics died.

When I look at the FEL valve... it's basically just a block with a bunch of hose connections (none of these hose connections are the relief valve). There are two cables entering the block on one side (which move the 2 spools inside). Opposite the two entering cables are two 1.5" protuding caps with allen screws (probably with springs underneath the caps to make the spools return to position). These are not the relief valves?

Then there is a single 1" protruding thing with a nut-like head on it. It could be a cap. My guess is this would be the relief?

If I remove the nut or cap... what's underneath? Is fluid going to come out?


Thanks again.

 

[mmranch]

I found a picture of the PTO & FEL blocks.

 

[oldnslo]

Mm
I didn’t go back and read all your posts but I believe you stated PTO did not work. If this is correct then problem is not FEL relief since that is after PTO block.

 

[Fxfymn413]

If the pump failed, and it's sounding more and more that it did, there is a good probability that there are no metal shavings in the filter since the pump could not deliver them to the filter post failure.

When you drain the system I would place a fine mesh funnel under the drain to see if any metal turns up.

Based on Mike0000's excellent posts I'd say the best bet is to remove the pump.

 

[ovrszd]

If possible, I'd loosen a pump outlet connection and crank the tractor. If it bathes you in hydraulic oil, the pump is good.

 

[mmranch]

Thanks again for all the ideas.

I'm about at the point where I need to drain the oil and remove the pump to inspect it.

In the installed configuration, the inlet (larger pipe) to the pump is on the top of the pump. The outlet (smaller pipe) is on the bottom of the pump. If I were to loosen the bottom outlet (not remove it)... I assume that oil would start leaking out since the system was not yet drained. If I started the tractor and the pump was good... a huge amount of oil would shoot out making a big mess (which I don't really want). I'm a bit leery of doing this.

When I drain the hydraulic oil, the main oil plug (there is a smaller, second plug) has a magnet built into the plug. It always has a small amount of fine powdered metal on the magnet. Will see if it has more metal than normal.

Since it's very tight where the main pump and steering pump live... I would hope to only unbolt the main pump and see if there are obvious problems. This may not be possible and the whole assembly may have to be removed.


@oldnslo
Regarding relief valves... the PTO does not work and is first in line after the main pump. From your description, it sounds like if the pump was good and the PTO relief was NOT open... the PTO should work even if a later relief valve (FEL relief) was open? If this understanding is correct, sounds like the PTO relief would be the problem since all other valves are after that. I will look more closely at the PTO relief valve but I'm a bit unclear as to how to see any potential broken spring.

Thanks again.

 

[mike0000]

I cant comment on your tractor, my tractor did not leak much hydraulic oil at all when I removed the pump. To test mine I did disconnect the hoses, but obviously I had complete failure, no pressure to spray oil.

I tested by disconnecting both hoses (suction on top, pressure on bottom, like yours), I cobbled up a hose and a funnel to connect to the suction side for testing the pump. A bit Rube Goldberg but served my purpose. I added oil to the funnel and started the tractor, I got no movement from the oil level.

Mike

 

[mike0000]

I was testing outside, in a gravel area.
How about moving the tractor outside for testing, no mess inside? May not be an option, if you can’t raise loader, (jack and furniture dolly?).
My failure did not contaminate the hydraulic oil, if anything it was the engine oil where any shavings would have ended up.

Mike

 

[ericm979]

If the pump is not already above the level of the oil in the transmission, you could jack the front end up a little more or lower the rear.

 

[ovrszd]

I cant comment on your tractor, my tractor did not leak much hydraulic oil at all when I removed the pump. To test mine I did disconnect the hoses, but obviously I had complete failure, no pressure to spray oil.

I tested by disconnecting both hoses (suction on top, pressure on bottom, like yours), I cobbled up a hose and a funnel to connect to the suction side for testing the pump. A bit Rube Goldberg but served my purpose. I added oil to the funnel and started the tractor, I got no movement from the oil level.

Mike

That was my suggestion. When you completed your test there was no doubt your pump had to be removed.

I'd hate to remove the pump and still not know what my problem was.