Ford 1520 hydraulics always loaded unless moving FEL?

[jerwin66]

I bought a used '86 ford 1520 tractor with FEL and 3pt backhoe attachments. The tractor has run perfectly for about 100 hours so far - the other day when I was raising the FEL and returned the control stick to neutral, the hydraulics felt (sounded) like they were still under load. The engine is being bogged down, unless I move the FEL (raise/lower or curl the bucket), then the load goes away. Also with the stick in neutral, the engine shuts off immediately, no graceful shutdown, like it is actually under load

I'm assuming I have some open center re circulation valve stuck or something - any hints on where to find that ? Is it inside the hydraulic pump on the right side of the block?

In my haste I took apart the FEL control valve but I'm thinking that may not be where the problem is.

This is my first tractor and first post! Thanks in advance for any guidance

James

 

[CincyFlyer]

Do you have open center hydraulics? If so, when the valves are closed, there must be a complete path from pump to valve (or string of valves) to tank. For example, if I remove my backhoe, I must plug the hoses on the back of the tractor together to complete the path, or the pump runs against the limiter unless I move the loader.

 

[oldnslo]

Try lowering the 3 point hitch a little. Sometimes the linkage can get out of adjustment causing the flow to go over the relief. I.e. Load the pump.

 

[jerwin66]

Guys, thanks for the sanity Check. I put the valve back together, started the tractor, and wiggled the 3pt linkage. Back to normal. My leg must have bumped it when getting on and off. Thanks again!