3-Point Hitch 3 Point Hitch Wont Raise

[wisemak]

I've read many post on this subject and have taken many a good advice in trouble shooting. I believe I've boiled the issue down to a bad pump but some observations still leave me questioning.
Initially the hitch would not raise and it was leaking hydraulic fluid from the cylinder cap of the power lift. I replaced all seals for the power-lift cylinder, piston and cap. I only found the one to have failed. After reassembly it still will not lift, but no leaks thus far.
I put a t-fitting with a 5000psi gauge in place of the quick-disconnect. When starting the tractor it the gauge reads 0 and does not move in the slightest even when attempting to operate the lift. My gut says the pump itself is the issue.
However, when operating the the lift lever the hose jumps a bit and the steering continues to work. If i only had FEL, I'd know right away.
When operating the steering or the lift, I hear what sounds like a power steering pump for a car when its failing or low on fluid.
What leaves me questioning the pump is it still runs the power steering. Is it possible that the steering just doesn't required the kind of pressure of the 3PL? That the little pressure the steering requires wont budge the gauge? That the there could be pressure at the steering and not to the downstream 3PL as the installed gauge is between the steering and hydraulic valve?
My biggest frustration is I've been down for a few weeks and each mistake it make in ordering the correct parts leaves me down for another week. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[timinsanborn]

sounds to me like the diverter valve isn`t working properly, since you say the power steering works, the pump most likely is working.
I`m no hydraulic expert, but I`d disconnect the hose that comes out of the diverter valve and goes to the 3 point lift valve, put it in a bucket, and briefly crank/start the tractor, being ready to shut it off, hydraulic fluid should come out quickly. no/little flow , the 3 point lift won`t work.
same can be done for the pump, disconnect the hose that leaves the pump and goes to the inlet of the diverter valve, put it/secure it in a bucket, and briefly crank/start the tractor. being ready to shut it off, good flow- pump most likely ok.
some one else may have another idea on the problem.

 

[wisemak]

timinsanborn, Thanks, I will give it a try. I just have to get mentally prepared to pry myself from the fireplace as is 24 degrees here at the moment and the tractor is in a open car port!!!!

 

[wisemak]

I pulled the Banjo fitting from the diverter valve, cranked the tractor, no fluid flow. I then pulled the line from the pump where it meets the steering valve, cranked the tractor and it "spits" fluid. So it seems the fluid is not getting past the valve, #26 in the attached image. Possible clogged will be removing it next unless someone can advise otherwise. The valve doesn't look like more than passages, rather no repair items to replace.

 

[timinsanborn]

I`ve never had any problems with my hydraulics, so I`m not much help with the internals of the diverter valve. maybe just needs cleaning?

 

[Gary Fowler]

First thing you should have checked is the valve in front and under the seat that controls the drop rate of the 3 PH. If it gets closed off accidently, the 3 PH arms wont raise or lower.

 

[wisemak]

I've tried the limiter under the seat both ways, clock wise and all the way counter clockwise with no change. I've since removed the valve and it does have some spring loaded orifices which none were blocked. I will be putting it back on and moving the 5000 psi gauge as a dead head against the pump and crank the starter to see what pressure might develop.