New member (and new to me Ford 4100) with some questions.

[Other Bob]

I just bought a 1981 Ford 4100. I consider myself fairly mechanically handy, but this is my first tractor and have lots of questions. Also I've only had gas autos and equipment and the tractor is a diesel. Overall I feel that the tractor is in decent shape although it has a lot of hours, around 5000. I bought it from a dealer who had taken it as a trade. They'd already replaced some seals in the loader, and changed motor oil, and hydraulic oil and filters. However there is a hose leak and I see a drip from the injector pump about every 30 seconds or so when it's running.

So the hose looks to be leaking from around the coupler, I'm not sure if it's leaking from the joint or between the hose and coupler. Is there a good what to tell where the leak is, with the new fluid it's almost clear? Is there anything serviceable in the coupler or should I just plan on replacing the whole hose?

Also the tractor has a Du-al Loader. I can't find any model info for the loader but would like to be able to find out the model so I can get onwer's manual. It's a quick connect and specifically I'm looking for information on how to remove and install the loader.

Also wondering if the I&T Service manual is any good? They seem much less expensive than some of the others (wich is good). If not any suggestions for a better service manual?

 

[mddorange]

:welcome:
To TBN Other Bob. You have joined a great forum.

Enjoy!

 

[fishheadbob]

Du-al got bought up by Woods a long time ago. The cylinders on it are pretty straight forward, off the shelf items. Mine has a cross tube towards the front of the loader which holds supports to use when removing the loader; I cannot see anything like that in your pictures.
I had an I&T manual for a long gone tractor and found it covered heavy mechanical stuff like rebuilds as opposed to an owners manual which usually gives service intervals, basic stuff like which levers control what, and everyday tips.

 

[jeff9366]

I just bought a 1981 Ford 4100. There is a hose leak.

The hose is leaking from around the coupler, I'm not sure if it's leaking from the joint or between the hose and coupler.
Is there anything serviceable in the coupler or should I just plan on replacing the whole hose?

Hydraulic hoses deteriorate over time. I experienced my first hydraulic hose failure at 600 engine hours. Failure commenced with a sound like a pistol shot, then instant loaded bucket drop to the ground.

Hydraulic hoses are cheap. I would replace the entire piece. The small town where I live has two shops which fabricate hydraulic hoses to order and rebuild hydraulic cylinders.

Keep body parts from under raised implements. Stay out from under a raised bucket. Wear steel toed shoes. These are good tractor practices.

 

[majorwager]

Some folks do not follow their own advice. If the hose is deteriorated, Replace. Checking, surface tear, dry rot. jeffy likely had ignored warning signs. It your fitting is the issue, is It a quick disconnect or direct attachment? A QD fitting could have dirt at contact point. Direct fitting May need to be disassembled and reattached using thread sealant? Unfamiliar folks just replace, absent analysis.

I have a 38 Year old IH FEL. The hoses, save for two are original. Condition is fine, no intention to replace. A loader cylinders hose failure will drop the arms, it happens quickly but NOT the dramatic "lead balloon" scenario as described.

Further agree OM usually more helpful than service manual for routine General operating functions. Also might suggest that the dangling hoses beneath the tractor be raised and ziptied to a frame member in some improved fashion ??

EDIT: Perhaps I just erroneously followed jeffy' s lead? Are U referencing a fuel leak at injection pump or hydraulic leak at loader hose ?

Since it was a dealer purchase, most dealers provide a min 30 day warranty. Dealer SHOULD be involved in solution !!

 

[Other Bob]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Mine has a cross tube towards the front of the loader which holds supports to use when removing the loader; I cannot see anything like that in your pictures.

I saw that on a video of a JD loader where the stands stored in a horizontal pipe on the loader. I'm waiting for it to be delivered, I'll check for any places they may be hidden when it arrives.

... If the hose is deteriorated, Replace. Checking, surface tear, dry rot. jeffy likely had ignored warning signs. It your fitting is the issue, is It a quick disconnect or direct attachment? A QD fitting could have dirt at contact point. Direct fitting May need to be disassembled and reattached using thread sealant? Unfamiliar folks just replace, absent analysis.

I'll try cleaning well and maybe wrapping with a paper towel to see where the leak is originating, hopefully it's just the connection. There was one hose that was missing most of the outer covering that will need to be replaced, ironically it is not leaking at all.

Since it was a dealer purchase, most dealers provide a min 30 day warranty. Dealer SHOULD be involved in solution !!

It was a well used tractor taken as a trade and sold as-is. Given the price I feel like I made out well enough that I'm nervous that I've totally missed something. I've done my own and family vehicle maintenance and repairs for 20+ years so I looking forward to learning and doing my own repairs. I always buy factory service manuals for my cars and they've been invaluable compared to a more generic Haynes or Chiltons manual. That said given it's price, I might just go ahead and get the I&T manual and see what it covers.