Ford 1920 Hydraulics acting wierd......is it just cold oil?

[ErikVann]

I posted this in the Ford NH forum but thought I might get more answers here:
Hello
I have a ford 1920 with 1150 hrs on it. I noticed some strange behavior with the 3pt lift today as I was moving things around the yard in preparation for the coming snow storm. The hydraulics in general were sluggish but particularly so on the 3pt lift. I have a 6' box blade on there now. It would lift the blade very slowly. If I used either of the loader functions to lift the bucket or curl the 3pt would stop lifting and then bring the implement up at normal speed after I released the loader function. We have had some sustained cold weather (for mid Dec.) single digits at night and upper 10s-20s during the day. Is it possible that this is just the result of cold sluggish oil? I didn't run the tractor long enough to get things good and warm. so I don't know if will go away when it warms up. I also didn't want to keep running it if I could be damaging something. I am eagerly awaiting this first of the year snowstorm and the arrival of my first baby BOY, so please I hope you have good news for me about my tractor! Thanks
Erik

 

[RickB]

Cold oil.
Old oil with some suspended water (frozen).
Partially plugged filter.
Some of the possibilities.

 

[J_J]

Certainly cold can slow things down, but have you checked the normal things like fluid level, color of fluid, filters screens if it has them in the sump.

Do a crackle test for water.

You can warm up the fluid by letting the fluid pass through the relief valve.

A hyd pressure gage will certainly tell you if the pressure is correct.

The loader valve is first in the series path, and when used will take some or all of the fluid for loader operation.

You might check all the QD's for proper operation.

 

[ErikVann]

Thanks for the responses, The fluid level is normal, The fluid itself is the normal color clear maybe a bit yellow tinted. There seemed to be very small bubbles in the oil on the dip stick. I will replace the filter tomorrow to see if that helps. Forgive my ignorance but how would I check if there are screens in the sump? I don't really know what the sump would be. And how would I check the QDs for proper operation? Thanks for the help.

 

[J_J]

A good manual would be good to have.

Some tractors have screens in the sump/tank. If they are clogged, you may suck in air.

Check your suctiion line for air leaks, as that will produce bubbles in the reservoir.

If QD's are in the cyl circuit, check and see if you have hyd action both ways.