slow, rachetty, inadequate hyraulic action

[Soundguy]

check to see that all the old gasket came off the old filter. if not.. that's a prime source of an air leak.

Also.. if that is it.. don't feel bad... you won't be the first to pull a filter off and see 2 gaskets under it...

soundguy

 

[TedLaRue]

Larry,

Thanks for your pledge to post your progress. Future readers will appreciate that.

I really like Soundguy's suggestions. I hadn't thought of those sources of problems. elad's "bad filter" suggestion is also possible. And as I look back, all of the posts are possibilities. But I'm still betting you have a clogged strainer.

 

[Larryboy]

The only thing that I see in parts diagrams is a by-pass device (screen) inside the filter. Is that the place where clogs might likely happen? If so, do I just manually clean it with mineral spirits or hot soapy water ... ?

Thanks again for all the responses from everyone

 

[john_bud]

There is usually a screen in the return line to the tank or reservor. May be before the filter. Your model may not have one. You could also have some debris blocking open the relief valve.

jb

 

[geneP]

Larry, I have an '89 385a and have a factory service manual for the 85 series tractors. The trouble shooting section for hydraulics lists several scenerios for slow hydraulics depending on if the problem is with the hitch or the auxillary valves. None of the checks include checking a screen so I'm assuming there is not one. Checking filter condition and fluid level are at the top of each checklist. Are your running the tractor for 3 minutes at 1600 rpm before checking the hyd fluid? Mine has a line on the stick as a full level.

I'm really close to HWY 49 just south of Jackson, if you are up this way and can use this manual just let me know.

 

[Larryboy]

I am grateful for all advice. I've ordered hydraulic filter consumables and bypass screen/strainer that stacks into the filter housing with the filter cartridge. We'll see how things operate with new fluid and filter. Here's to hopefulness

 

[Larryboy]

GeneP, I appreciate to offer. Thanks. Let me try the fluid and filter change first. My dip stick has a small hash mark area, with no idication of it being a low or high mark; so, the only way for me to determine the correct level is to put the correct amount of fluid in the tractor and see where the level shows on the dipstick! My owner's manual tells me to run the engine for 3 minutes at 1600 rpm, stop the engine and check the fluid. I've wondered just how long I have to do that check - one second, one minute, ten minutes. Anyway, thanks for your response and offer !