Ford 1715 w/ NH 7108 FEL - bucket and main lift cylinders drift down

fbfleming · Jul 28, 2019

The drifting of the main lift and the bucket curl has increased over the last few months to an unsatisfactory level. I have been reading a lot of posts on this site discussing related problems and the diagnosis of such. All of the tests that I have done after reading what others have done lead me to believe that the control valve is leaking. The valve is a Zexel, Assy. No. 307800-0711, Assy. Code 34001-3511. I'm quite certain that the valve is no longer available and from what I understand the dealers want a lot more money than I want to spend for a replacement. Any recommendations on a less expensive valve that I could use without a whole lot of mounting issues or re-plumbing? I've been looking around at a few sites with valves for sale but I would appreciate the opinions of you all who have been down this road. Thanks.

K5lwq · Jul 29, 2019

Pictures of how your current valve looks and is mounted would help. Also do you know the GPM of your pump? There is a lot of options to consider when purchasing a valve.

Once you understand what you need, then look at several different brands to determine the best one for your needs.

fbfleming · Jul 29, 2019

I will try to attach some photos and get some tubing sizes. The pump specs are 6.16 gpm and a relief valve setting of 2133 psi at 2600 rpm. The supply and return lines (3 total) have a tubing OD of about .588" and the thread diameter of the fitting that the tubing nuts attach to is about .820". The work line tubing OD is about .473" and the thread diameter of the fittings that the tubing nuts attach to is about .708"

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K5lwq · Jul 29, 2019

You will be challenged to find a valve that will mount inverted and the correct ports line up with the steel lines. Most current Monoblock valves have power in on one side of valve then PB and Tank on the other side. If I am seeing correct in your picture, these lines are all on the left.

The Joystick also will mount to the valve itself.

If you can see a way to mount a new valve in a spot that works, converting the steel line to hose would be simple. Just get the appropriate size bulk head fittings to go where the valve is now then attach hoses to that.

Some real thought will need to go into this project to make sure nothing is missed.

Cost might not be much cheaper than the direct replacement valve assuming it is available. I would want to verify the replacement is the same as original before I went that route.

Dave M7040 · Jul 29, 2019

Before concluding the valve is responsible, do these simple tests on your cylinders.

The cylinders are much more likley than the valve for your problems.

Dave M7040

fbfleming · Jul 30, 2019

Thanks you guys for your responses. I will retest my cylinders before making any decisions on purchasing a new valve. But I need to set this project aside for a bit and fry a couple of bigger fish. Thanks again.