Branson 3510 (2004) lost hydraulics (three point and front end loader)

[ptsg]

I recall very vaguely from some older threads on this forum where the members also had some trouble priming the hydraulic pump after changing the hydraulic fluid and filter on this older Bransons, however, I can't remember how they manage to prime it again.

One method that could possibly work, if it's easily accessible, would be to take the inlet hose from the pump and fill it will hydraulic oil and the put it back in.

 

[Fixastuff]

Check the rubber boot/hose on the pump, they often have small cracks that are hard to see but allow the pump to suck air from outside instead of pulling in hydraulic fluid. On a Branson of that age I would expect it to be cracked if it hasn't been replaced before.

 

[mike0000]

I used my shop vac. To blow pressure onto the fill port, didn’t help. I’m going to pull the seat and covers to allow access to the pump, I think.
Mike

 

[ptsg]

Both pumps are mounted on the engine, on the left side.

There is a rubber manifold the connects both pumps inlet side to the suction pump coming from the transmission housing. This is the rubber part that Fixastuff mentioned that's is, indeed, prone to cracking.

I believe my tractor uses the same engine as yours, so the pump setup might be similar. Here is how it looks on mine, with both pumps visible under the alternator.

 

[mike0000]

I’m wrong about pump location, it’s at the engine. I’m going to try to prime it w/oil.

Mike

 

[mike0000]

Thanks Ptsg, I located it

 

[Fixastuff]

I used my shop vac. To blow pressure onto the fill port, didn’t help. I’m going to pull the seat and covers to allow access to the pump, I think.
Mike

I’m wrong about pump location, it’s at the engine. I’m going to try to prime it w/oil.

Mike

I doubt your shop vacuum makes much pressure....check around the hose clamps and give the hose a squeeze so look for cracks. The cracked ones I've found don't leak fluid but do allow air in, so don't take a lack of a leak as a sign that they're good.

 

[YanmarFever]

You might try filling the hydraulic filter with some oil next time you have it off.
I do it when I change my hyd oil.
I believe you have an air lock in the hyd system.

 

[K5lwq]

Hopefully you can prime it. While you are working on it, check the vent tube on the transmission case. If it is clogged from a dirt dauber or something it could explain the site glass blowing out.

 

[mike0000]

I pulled the 90 degree rubber Hose (suction side)of the pump, hose is in good condition. The top of the pump has a 90 made Of aluminum it connects to the 90 made of rubber.
Removing the aluminum one showed that the pump was full of oil. Also oil was in metal pipe that the rubber 90 attaches to ( coming from the filter.
there would have been a small area that had air in it between the two 90’s. I reattached the two 90’s then rotated the aluminum one (left that hose clamp loose) and filled with oil.
I then rotated it (alum. 90) and reattached to the top of the pump (it has an o ring and is attached w/3 bolts.
started the tractor up and still no hydraulics.
Filter position is horizontal so filling w/oil isnt an option.

Mike