Hydraulics fail when tractor warms up?

[autocol]

Addendum to question 2:

Given that bypassing the loader valve didn't solve anything, that would mean I can restrict my search initially to seals in the main system, correct?

 

[brain55]

I'm slowly progressing on my little tractor fellas.

Firstly, the manual I bought on eBay has arrived which has helped a bit - though unfortunately I could only find a DVD version so I have to keep coming back inside to refer to it.

However, I've now drained all the fluid (which I'm sure would have HORRIFIED you blokes), and pulled out the suction screen filter at the base of the sump which has - I suspect - highlighted the problem. The screen was nearly covered in little black chunks of what used to be a seal. I can be certain it used to be a seal, in fact, because I managed to fish a decent sized slice of it out with my finger.

So, I'd say that makes it a very good chance that if I find out where that seal is from, I'll solve my problem. So... um... how do I do that!? If a slice half an inch long managed to find it's way to the suction screen, does that give us a clue, or could it have been dragged there from anywhere in the system?

So, to put my current questions in point form:

1. Other than refilling the hydraulic oil, is there something else I can/should flush through there to get the major crap out?
2. What steps should I take to try to find my missing seal?

Thanks.
Col.

I would start with the 3-pt piston seal. Between your legs kind of in front and under the seat there is a cover there with a directional knob on it held on with 4 bolts. Lower the 3-pt and remove any implements if you haven't already. Remove those 4 bolts, you might have to remove the seat/fender bracket. If the cover doesn't pull off, raise the 3-pt arms by hand a couple of inches and drop them, this should pop that cover off and you should be able to see the piston, some fluid will come out, but not much. I continue lifting and lower the 3-pt arms by hand until I push the piston out of the top of the cylinder. You'll be able to feel the rod come out of its seat in the piston and drop off the lip onto the cylinder wall when you lift the arms, when you lower them back down you'll feel the rod hit the lip of the piston, this is what is pushing the piston out. My guess is that the black rubber you found is the 3-pt piston o-ring.

Brian