1981 John Deere 2040 with over heating problem

[Oletrapper]

I have a 1981 2040 JD which has a problem with the hydrolic fluid over heating. The power steering unit below the steering wheel gets so hot you can not touch it without getting burned. I have changed the fluid and replaced the filter and cleaned the screen. I have cleaned the radiator. There is no hydrolic cooler unit on this tractor. Just a large canister in front of the radiator at the top. This tractor was purchased new and only has 1600 hours on it. Any suggestions?

 

[Oletrapper]

Guess I must be the only one that has had this problem. Lots of readers though. Thanks anyway.

 

[Soundguy]

I have a 2240.. but have not seen this problem.

In general super heated oil usually means something is running against relief.. that's one of the faster ways to heat oil in a hyd system.. Might also check for obstructions.. and for the heck of it.. observe flow into a bucket, and use a gauge to check pressure lock to lock.

soundguy

 

[RWolf]

Soundguy has a good point. Place a gauge inline with the output of the pump. If you have pressure then something is obstructing the lines. This question also might be better answered in the hydraulic forum.

good luck.

 

[Oletrapper]

Soundguy has a good point. Place a gauge inline with the output of the pump. If you have pressure then something is obstructing the lines. This question also might be better answered in the hydraulic forum.

good luck.

Thanks RWolf, Didn't know there was a hydrolic forum but will find it and post over there.

 

[Bird]

Thanks RWolf, Didn't know there was a hydrolic forum but will find it and post over there.

No, we'd rather not have the same question posted in multiple forums because it leads to someone replying to one of them, then later seeing the other one without his reply and thinking something is wrong with TBN's computer or that the moderators have removed something for no reason. So since you've already posted the question in the other forum, I'll remove that one so the question and all replies stay together.

Now back to the question . . . exactly what temperature does it reach? You know 100 degrees above ambient temperature is normal. And most of the time in my part of the country, especially right now, that's plenty hot to burn your hand, but not hot enough to harm the tractor.

 

[kennyd]

As I posted in the other thread before it was removed (Where this should be moved to Bird):

If the fluid is overheating without working the tractor hard, then it sounds like the relief valve may be bad or there is another restriction like Soundguy said. Possible a hose or tube has gotten pinched or is deteriorating on the inside. Unfortunately, I do not know where the relief valve is on your machine though...

 

[Bird]

OK, I'll move the whole thread from the general Owning/Operating forum to the Hydraulics forum.

 

[true temper]

The problem is the orings are bad in your steering valve. If I remember right the steering whel shaft goes through a spool that is about 2" or so in dia. This spool presses in the steering colom, with grooves in the steering colom casting. There are tiny grooves in the colom with o ring and backup rings to seal spool. These orings have failed, causing a high pressure leak, thus building heat.

 

[Oletrapper]

The problem is the orings are bad in your steering valve. If I remember right the steering whel shaft goes through a spool that is about 2" or so in dia. This spool presses in the steering colom, with grooves in the steering colom casting. There are tiny grooves in the colom with o ring and backup rings to seal spool. These orings have failed, causing a high pressure leak, thus building heat.

Thanks Bird. Never thought about multiple posts. Anyway, I concur that the problem is more than likely in the steering column. I had it rebuilt last year and it just did not act right after I put back on. When it warms up (not yet hot) it tends to steer to the right. A good comparison would be like the torque on an outboard motor. If you let go of the tiller it wants to steer to one side. Guess I will remove it once again. Will try to repair myself this time. At least I will know it will be done right. Ordered a tech manual yesterday and will probably have to order some special tools to get into the thing but that's okay. Thanks guys for all the help. Will let you all know how things turn out. OT