Ford 1700 Hydraulic Problem

ken128 · Dec 24, 2012

Hi All,

My girlfriend has a Ford 1700 with a 770 FEL. This tractor has been a winter workhorse for the three years she has owned it. This year, the hydraulics failed to operate when she was trying to plow snow at her mountian home. The symptom is simple, no power to lift the FEL. She told me there was no pump squeal, loud clanks or anything that would indicate a sudden pump failure. This site has been a huge help so far, but now I needed to actually post for some help. So here is what I've tried so far-

1. Checked the hydraulic oil level. All was ok.
2. I tented the tractor and supplied heat for about an hour. The bucket lifted, about 5 times and got slower and slower each time.
3. I removed the pump to verify no broken parts or sheared keys. It turned, sounded like it was sealed witha a bit of a suction sound, so i thought it was ok but brought it to the tractor shop.
4. Tractor shop told me there was no way to test and verify pump status, but indicated maybe there was water in the system. Advised me to drain and change hydraulic fluid.
5. Drained the fluid out (looked like chocolate milk), heated to drain any ice etc., cleaned out filter sludge (looked like grey slime), reassembled and put in new 134A oil to the mark as described in the manual.
6. Provided heat again thinking if there was ice, It would thaw and be at least movable.
7. Started tractor and nothing. No movement at all. No noises at pump.

So, it's Christmas Eve, we have snow on the way, and needless to say, the tractor isn't working and I have questions I hope someone can help answer. I've been looking around the site and have found a few things to try tomorrow.

I want to verify the power behind screws to verify they have not fallen out. Does anyone know where I can locate these?

Some other questions I still have:
-Does this pump need to be primed somehow? If so, how?
-Everything seems tight, how would I detect an air leak?
-If there is air in the system, how do I get rid of it?

Thanks for any help and insight. Happy Holidays,
Ken

wdchyd · Dec 24, 2012

Ken,

When you changed the oil did you find/clean the filter strainer located in the sump

1700 2 CYL COMPACT TRACTOR (1/79-12/82)

The pump may need priming (air pressure to push oil from sump to pump)

Bill

J_J · Dec 24, 2012

Clean item #15 really good.

Use the correct fluid for your area.

You could remove the suction hose after cleaning and replenishing fluids to see if the suction input is flooded. Tighten up the suction hose real tight.

Use some air pressure, about 15 lbs, using air nozzle and a rag in the fill port of the tank .

ken128 · Dec 25, 2012

Hi Chris,
As far as the filter goes, I gently scraped the slime of, then used brake clean to open the pores up. The tip for primiming the pump is great. I'm thinking something like 5~10 psi is all I want to risk. I'm trying to think of a quick fitting to use on the fill port. Is there another way to get the air into the sump?

Thanks,
Ken

ken128 · Dec 25, 2012

Thanks J.J. -

I will do that and let you guys know what I find.

I Knew I liked this website!
Thanks for the help.

Ken

RickB · Dec 25, 2012

Wrapping a rag around a blow gun inserted in the fill port is an effective way to pressurize the transmission without going too far. 15 psi is way too much air and will risk blowing out transmission input shaft seals, axle shaft seals, or the PTO shaft seal. Park the tractor on a downhill grade to help oil gravity flow to the pump.

dbaxworth · Oct 13, 2015

RickB said:
Wrapping a rag around a blow gun inserted in the fill port is an effective way to pressurize the transmission without going too far. 15 psi is way too much air and will risk blowing out transmission input shaft seals, axle shaft seals, or the PTO shaft seal. Park the tractor on a downhill grade to help oil gravity flow to the pump.

Should the pressure be applied while the tractor is running or when it's off? I have this same problem... No response from 3 point or the front loader. Tractor fluids have been replaced and the filter has been brushed down. I can't even tell if the pump is working. I will try to park at an incline as suggested as I think this is a good way to get fluids to the front. Thanks for all the feedback!