Super A hydraulics rebuild

[jeffgreef]

Looking for wisdom about these touch control hydraulics systems. Bought my Super A about a year ago, when I got it home I changed out all the fluids. Hydraulic fluid was pretty dirty and there was sludgy gunk in the bottom of the block. Cleaned it best I could, filled it with Hytran, ran it, drained it, filled it again.

The hydraulics work fine, but I'm thinking of rebuilding the block (gaskets and seals). Reason is I plan to put the system to work with a 3 pt conversion and some heavy implements. Previous owner just used the sickle mower, so he didn't really work the hydraulics. It's probably all original. I'm concerned that when I start to load it up the old seals will fail. Rather be safe than sorry, unless there is a good reason not to do the rebuild. Steiner has gasket/seal kits for both block and pump. Let me know your experience with working with these hydraulic systems.

-should I redo the pump as well?
-are these a challenge to work on, or okay for a weekend mechanic?
-critical torque settings?
-dos and don'ts

Thanks

 

[DJ54]

JMO.... If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I've got 2, Super C's with Fast Hitch, and use them quite a bit doing anything from plowing, to hauling a heavy manure spreader on the hydraulic drawbar. Neither of the touch control units have been touched, and show no leaks. I have replaced the pump seal in the one twice in 20 some years. The other pump has not been touched.

I had another one 15 or so years ago, that had a loader, and that touch control unit did have some leaks. At the time, IH did carry a complete seal/o-ring, head gasket service kit for it. I rebuilt it, and happy to say, it did not have any leaks. I sold it a few years later, to a fellow that made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

There are lots of pieces & parts. One of those things, when you tear it down, stay with it to put it back together. Not something you want to leave for a few weeks, and come back to, at least for me. The I&T manual shows an exploded view of the internals, but no info on rebuilding it, if I remember correctly. I just used general torque specs, for the size & grade bolts used.

Again, JMO, take it for what it's worth.

 

[jeffgreef]

Thanks DJ. Maybe I'll give it a heavy workout and see how it does. I agree- if it ain't broke don't fix it- but when you know something is decades old, you gotta draw the line somewhere. I appreciate the advice.

 

[DJ54]

I think it will be fine. Just make sure when you work the touch control, controls, especially using the 3 pt., set the stops so you're not deadheading the pump, riding the bypass valve. At a good idle, you can hear it straining, when you are. There are adjustments on the touch control unit itself, where the linkage connects, to adjust it, so it won't.

The pump is pretty easy to replace the seal in. But, if the seal is leaking, it will put the hydraulic oil into the crankcase.