Just purchased an IH 3444 from ebay

[hatch789]

Hi Guys,

I just purchased a new (for me) tractor. I got an IH 3444 (or so it says) off of ebay. It's in very good shape from the pics and video so I'm looking to get some good information for the thing and put it to good use in my yard.

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/e1140...tem=121325498409&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160

http://youtu.be/vQTWPNJQw9s

Hoping to have delivery of my new toy by the weekend!
Total was 3250 for the purchase, so I hope I didn't do too badly. Got 2 buckets with the purchase.

Can anyone recommend some links for some good information on these tractors? I will try to get the proper serial number and everything when I get the unit. Sometimes people think what they have is a different model than what it really is. I have an old Ford 1841-S (circa 1954?) that I'm going to be selling now since I got this. I believe this is 1970ish so that's great! I'm hoping it has a lot more power and operates more safely than the old ford would have.

 

[hatch789]

Hi Guys,

OK So I received me new (for me) tractor and have a few questions. First I need some identification of things on the dashboard because some parts will need repaired.

I believe the silver button down below the key slightly to the right is the glow plug button but it doesn't do anything that I can see.

I also have a difficult time getting it started which further indicates to me that the glow plugs are not heating up. I have to use a shot of ether to get it started ...once I do that it starts immediately. Now the key has three positions: left, middle, right. When it is left and right I can't pull it out. It pulls out in the middle so I assume that is OFF. Right allows the push button to turn the engine over so I assume that's run. But here's the odd part. Left doesn't appear to do anything because the light switch still works even in the off position. Also I can turn it off and even pull the key when it's running and it won't stop. NOTHING but putting it in 5th gear, slowing to an idle and popping the clutch seems to STOP the thing. It was the only way I found to stop it.

I tried turning this knob on the glass (filter) all the way closed to choke it off. It just happily ran for another 4 minutes before I was like ...OK That did nothing. Is this needle valve on the glass site filter not cutting fuel off like I thought it was?


OK on to other things. following some wires from my console up to the front I found this little guy. What the heck is this. Hopefully something to control the glow plugs?

Again, I need to open the console and start tracing things. Maybe the push-rod going to this device goes to that rusted little hole (button?) on the far left of my console?

OK I need help identifying what this shuttle valve does? no clue?
It's under my seat and can be moved effortlessly forward and back. Spinning doesn't seem to do anything but it moves forward and back about 3/4 of an inch.

Also what on earth is this. Looks like a hydraulic hose but I think it's just plain rubber, so no high pressure.

OK I know I have a ton of questions in here. Sorry. This is my first Diesel so I am learning a lot here.

Last really important question. I got this thing to WORK... it's supposed to be very powerful from what others have posted on similar models. So my bucket appears to be very under-powered. It has the smaller of 2 buckets on right now. Just a little 12 inch bucket and it has very little power. This back bucket cylinder is huge so you'd think it would be very powerful but it's not. Any ideas what may be going on. I don't see any leaks and the rest of the hydraulics seem very good and close to what I'd expect from a serious machine like this.

The fittings all seem to be right, nothing under-sized so that's good. It just doesn't seem to have the breakout force I'd expect. Not even by 1/3.

 

[DJ54]

Not familiar with a 3444, but do see something common to older diesels. The "little guy" you think may have something to do with the glow plugs, is actually the manual fuel shut off. Trace it back up under the dash to find the other end. NAPA or a similar parts store should have generic throttle cables similar to this, in various length's. You can cut them to length you need. It looks to me like the bell crank the cable attaches to on the injection pump is on upside down. The last hold down for the cable looks original, and it appears it would align a lot better, if it were turned up 180º. Looks like it has kinked, plus being rusty, may be why the knob came off the other end.

Have you tried the backhoe, with the "shuttle valve" in both positions..?? It looks like the rubber hydraulic hose going out the back heads for the backhoe attachment.

I believe I'd keep my eyes peeled for manuals for that critter on ebay..!!

 

[doxford jim]

It would be a great help to you if you could get a set of manuals (parts, workshop and operator).
There should be a name plate somewhere with all the information you need on it. Try "googling" the information and you should be able to source the manuals. Might be a bit pricey but still cheaper than getting someone else to do the work.

 

[nc redneck]

People E Bay tractors for a reason. Learn about what you have and if you want to keep it. Good Luck.

 

[DieselnHooters]

You a gambling man OP?

 

[hatch789]

I have tried the backhoe with the shuttle valve in both positions, but can't tell a difference. Regarding the manual fuel shutoff, I will work to restore that functionality, is that how you are supposed to stop the engine?

Anyone want to venture a guess as to why it won't start without some ether?

Also, still trying to figure out why the bucket appears to be under powered.

 

[DJ54]

Yes, that is the manual engine shut off cable.

More than likely the glow plugs, as to the reason it won't start without ether. A buddy of mine I helped years ago had an IH 706 that wouldn't start without glow plugs, unless it was about 70º-75º. Just the nature of that particular engine, as I understand. Sounds like you need to do some trouble shooting, and see what the problem is. Trace wires, check with a simple test light to see if you even have power out to them.

Don't believe I'd be feeding it too much ether, it will dry the cylinder walls, causing wear, then it'll start using oil.

Is it just the bucket function, or all?? If it's just the bucket, then I'd guess either the control valve is worn, or seals in the cylinder. If it's all functions, then probably the hydraulic pump being worn. But then it could also be a spec of something stuck in the pressure relief valve. I guess first you need to check the condition of the hydraulic oil. If it's milky, change the fluid & filters. If not, maybe get you a hydraulic pressure gauge, or find someone that has one, and check your hyd. pressure.

If you can find any service manuals, it should tell you how to do all of this.

Also, you may get more response posting in the Construction Eq. thread. I've seen several posts pertaining to guy's having IH hoes. Hopefully someone will chime in that knows more on that particular machine.

 

[George2615]

I watched the video and the front loader bucket seems quite loose. Have you checked the mounts and welded points of it. It does seem to run well. Many places online have manuals and as mentioned, get some.

 

[hatch789]

The front loader bucket is trashed, I don't know if I can weld it enough to fix it. But that's fine. I'm more worried about the other things like the hydraulics for the backhoe and the bucket not being even 1/3 or 1/4 as strong as I would think it should be. In searching on the net I found some references to things I might check for:
IH 3444 backhoe pilot relief valve question - IH Construction Equipment - Red Power Magazine Community

Sounds like I may have a similar issue, so I'm going to try to contact that guy and see if he can help me. Do any of you have experience with the Pilot Relief Valve in your tractors? Might this be my issue?

One more thing. Yes I am going to try to get manuals but until I do, I have no idea where to even look for the Hydraulic tank. Where is it located, how is it filled and checked? I can't look to see if it's "Milky" if I don't know where it is?! I have a lot to learn about this new toy.

Also still waiting on any insight as to what the shuttle valve under my seat does? It's in my pics above. I can't seem to detect any difference in operation no matter what position I have it in.