Ford 4630 Hydraulic Questions:

[ETpilot]

David, looking at your pictures, reviewing your description of the plumbing and reviewing my installation diagram, I would say your system is plumbed correctly. The P port, on the manifold, is the pressure port and connects to the FEL pressure in port. The other manifold port is the N port and connects to the FEL power beyond port. The third port on the FEL valve is the return port. It appears to be properly connected to the rear axle filler opening. So all looks good.

Has the FEL valve been disconnected without providing a return path for the hydraulic fluid? If it has then this may be the problem. As suggested it may be time to replace all the o'rings with known good ones. IIRC there are o'rings on top and the bottom of the manifold. Look at page 1 of the info sent. It lists the inside diameter and thickness of the o'rings. Compare those measurements to what you have when you remove the manifold.

Make sure your FEL is on the ground, then cycle the valve a few times using all ports to make sure you relieve all the pressure. Then you can loosen the cap screws to remove the valve and manifold. If able, I would pressure wash the valve and manifold area. You want everything to be clean when you start the repair. Cover the work area if you have to leave it unfinished getting parts, etc. Cleanliness is important when working with hydraulics.

Do a good visual inspection of the valve and the manifold looking for any cracks, defects, etc.

Good luck. You have my email if you need anything else.

 

[straightsix240]

Ok guys, thanks a bunch for reviewing that info. ETpilot, I don't think the FEL has ever been disconnected. There are o-rings top and bottom, so now I'm trying to hunt those down.

One other piece of the puzzle: a friend told me to check the hydraulic fluid when I bought the tractor to see if it was milky - this would indicate water in the hydraulic system, and I should change the fluid. The fluid is somewhat milky and I am planning on changing the fluid. Any chance this is contributing to this busted seal problem?

Also, should I just change the fluid or is there something to add, like a diesel fuel additive, to deal with the water?

David

 

[straightsix240]

I got the manifold and the valve off and up at the house. Hoping to find some o-rings soon... Valve and manifold were fairly dirt (the mating surfaces). What should I clean them with?

David

 

[ETpilot]

Not sure if your o'rings are susceptible to water damage. The material composition of the o'ring determines where it can be used. I know that some o'rings do not work with petroleum products. Check the o'ring and see it they have any signs of swelling, cuts, abrasion, etc. I woud refill only with appropriate hydraulic fluid.

Any cleaning solvent shoud be good for cleaning. I believe the passages in the monifold are just some bored out holes to tap into the tractor hydraulics. If they contain any internal parts then what you use may be important.

 

[j250trxr]

I'm having trouble finding the silver power beyond block in the pictures! Does anybody know a part # or a good place to purchase one of them at? Can't seem to find one anywhere for a NH 3930. I think the 3930 and 4630 have the same hydrolic setup. Have the 2 rear remotes, that the loader is currently attached to, and uses the remote levers to control the loader (7310) on 98 NH 3930. Would like to add a joystick control for the loader, so I can use the rear remotes for hydrolic top link or other implements.