What to look for on a Ford 4000 diesel?

[LD1]

My 5500 is completely different than the 4500. Mine is actual powersteering. No mechanical linkage between steering wheel and tires. Mine has 2 cylinders, maybe 1" diameter by about 12" stroke and hydraulic lines from that back to the steering box.

The 4500 is more of a power assist. With 1 big cylinder under the front mount hydraulic pump. With a valve that has a mechanical linkage to the steering box.

I am guessing the AG tractors are unlike either.

Here is what the 4500 looks like...

http://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66828&stc=1&d=1281036432

 

[Soundguy]

my 7610s has no physical connection from the steering box/OB tot he front. however the 5000 and 4600 does have only a single draglink and no side cyls. my older 8XX machiens have the dual cyls, one on each side, 2 draglinks.. etc..

 

[JasG]

Now this deal may be off. A guy was using the tractor to bale for the owner a few years ago and he claims that the remote on the back wouldn't lift the rotary rake he had. He never told the woman who owns the tractor he thought something was wrong.

Personally I think for the price it's still worth it, only $5K and it's in really good shape. At that price he could put some money into it and it would still be a good deal. I'd like to take it to his farm and go thought it, it's only 2 miles from where it is now. I would like to go through the adjustments and make sure it isn't something simple. I think just the thought of it having issue has turned him off of it. Yet it's a much better machine that the Farmall M he wants to replace. The M has no 3 pt and only a single acting cylinder remote on the back.

 

[Soundguy]

easy to test the remote with a 3000PSI gauge and a qd fitting... plug in and pressurize.

can do similar with the 3pt.

 

[RickB]

easy to test the remote with a 3000PSI gauge and a qd fitting... plug in and pressurize.

can do similar with the 3pt.

After reading the whole thread, a 5 gallon bucket of oil might fix it.

 

[Soundguy]

you may be correct sir!

 

[JasG]

easy to test the remote with a 3000PSI gauge and a qd fitting... plug in and pressurize.
can do similar with the 3pt.

After reading the whole thread, a 5 gallon bucket of oil might fix it.

This is why I was thinking if I could have it for a 1/2 a day it probably might be something simple. I called him right after my last post and ran the idea by him. He had already called a local service guy who is going to stop by and check it out for him. Which in the end is better to have someone who has worked on these tractors. As I said I've worked on Deere and IH tractors and put thousands of hours operating those brands (many different models) and feel comfortable with them. I just have never worked on a Ford other than his NAA golden jubilee, and even that was mainly just simple service. While some things are almost the same, many are not between the two. I would hate to miss something either way and find later something "major" wasn't right or that a simple adjustment will fix it.

I wonder myself if it might even be like his Jubilee and it's a combination of not having the fluid and filters changed and lack of use. The Jubilee he was taking care of while I service the rest of his tractors. Last year the 3 pt stopped working, or so I was told. He hadn't changed any fluid in too many years to know, and hadn't even tried the 3 pt in 4-5 years. Took some flushing and other service to finally get it working. Actually Soundguy was able to give me some advice on that also. The oil was thick and white like lithium grease and I needed to know where the oil flowed up to the 3 pt.

Thanks again for the input and advice.

 

[Soundguy]

good luck, keep us updated.

 

[JasG]

Looks like were on hold again. The mechanic that came over isn't familiar with these either and he spoke with another and neither felt comfortable checking it out. I still offered to go thought it and see if I can figure out what's going on with it. It would just take me longer than someone who is familiar with these.

As you guys have pointed out it could even just be low on fluid, or in major need of service and all will be well.

Right now though he gave me a laundry list of projects he wants done, so it may be a while before we do anything with this.

 

[Soundguy]

post back when you get to it.