GC1723 loader bucket curl bleeding down

[smeash]

Hey all,
So ive got a 2019 GC1723 EB with 260hrs on her. A few weeks ago i noticed the bucket curl bleeding down while i was moving mulch. I cycled the loader full up and cycled the curl through its entire range a few times in order to bleed the system of any air trapped. It seemed to remedy, but a bit later it did it again, then stopped for the rest of the day. Now, It does it nearly everytime the tractor is started, and will intermittantly do it throughout the day. Im thinking it must be a stuck valve as there is no way i have a bad seal in both cylinders. Has anyone seen this before? It will leak down (curl) under just the weight of the bucket, and leaks down faster with a loaded bucket.
As most on the internet have said, these machines hydros do leak down, My backhoe, 3pt and loader lift cylinders will all slowly leak down, and have done it since new. Ive been told by numerous people that theirs do the same, but the bucket should not and has never leaked down on the curl function. Ideas? Any help would be appreciated!

 

[irvingj]

My 2310 will also leak down on the curl function. Although the curl will leak down before and more quickly than the bucket lift arms, it has never bothered while actually operating the FEL. Sounds like you may have a bit more of a leak.

 

[wdchyd]

One of the pistons seals is blown or worn and needs a repack, do both. MF uses junk 70duro orings for cylinder seal kits, do yourself a favor and have a local hyd shop match up PSC piston seals to fit, easy conversion.

 

[smeash]

One of the pistons seals is blown or worn and needs a repack, do both. MF uses junk 70duro orings for cylinder seal kits, do you self a favor and have a local hyd shop match up PSC piston seals to fit, easy conversion.

Thanks for the reply. The reason i dont think its a piston seal is because the problem is intermittant. I was thinking there was an adjustment on the joystick loader valve or something to that effect. I will certainly consider your suggestion though. Is there a way i can test and confirm your theory? Thanks!

 

[smeash]

My 2310 will also leak down on the curl function. Although the curl will leak down before and more quickly than the bucket lift arms, it has never bothered while actually operating the FEL. Sounds like you may have a bit more of a leak.

Thanks for the reply. Yes it is significant enough that it requires nearly constant curling function to keep the load in the bucket. However after some time it goes away. Really strange.

 

[wdchyd]

While it’s possible to be only an adjustment, an OEM oring piston seal used by MF will give you nothing but problems. I’ve seen it many times in my 44 years of hydraulic repair IMHO.

Actually had a pair come in off a MF with same trouble last week, owner wanted to bring in the FEL valve but the problem was the piston seals (orings) in his curl cyls.

 

[kenmbz]

Maybe a clogged filter or strainer for the hydro oil or some gunk in the system that goes away when hot? When was the last hydro oil change?

 

[cdaigle430]

Mine has done this intermittently since new. I never did bother with it nor do I plan to unless it gets in the way. I also have small leaks at the quick disconnect couplers-went back and forth on that from the dealer-kept telling me they were dirty and thats why they leaked. I eventually gave up but I always have some seepage and I think this is why I have bleeding on my curl cylinders.

 

[smeash]

While it’s possible to be only an adjustment, an OEM oring piston seal used by MF will give you nothing but problems. I’ve seen it many times in my 44 years of hydraulic repair IMHO.

Actually had a pair come in off a MF with same trouble last week, owner wanted to bring in the FEL valve but the problem was the piston seals (orings) in his curl cyls.

Ok well thank you! Im certainly not a mechanic. so my thinking was that both would have to be bad to have the bucker curl blled down.. is my thinking correct?

 

[smeash]

Maybe a clogged filter or strainer for the hydro oil or some gunk in the system that goes away when hot? When was the last hydro oil change?

I was thinking the same thing. Its been 200hrs since hydro change, Im about to do it again, but running Amsoil full synthetic fluid so was hoping to get longer life than 200 hrs!