Ford 8N Hydraulics

[Rick230]

I have a 1950 Ford 8N Tractor.
I lifted the plow and when the engine is off it very slowly
settles to the ground.

It does this wether or not the pto lever is forward or to the rear.

Is this normal or is there a slow leak?

If it is a leak how can I fix it?

Thanks,

 

[murphy1244]

This is normal leak down,

 

[94BULLITT]

You may have a problem depending of how long it takes and how heavy the plow is. Does your oil have water in it?

 

[Rick230]

I checked the oil for water and it was clean, no water. New hydraulics were put in just before I bought it and has about 3 or 4 hours on it.
The plow is a middle buster and its heavy, I'm guessing about 50 to 75 lbs. I haven't timed it but after about 20 minutes to a half hour its on the ground.
With the engine running it doesn't move and it plows great.

 

[trentonford3000]

there is a leak there is a bad seal(just leaks into the resivor)i have a 8n and an naa with the same problem if you watch it when it it up with the engine running does it (jump) up and down slightly it is a minor issue that i just live with if you have something heavier it will be easier to see it if you start it does it raise back to where it was set if it does it is just the sealor the valve cant hold the weight

 

[Rick230]

Would that seal be difficult to change?
Is there a way to check it to see if it leaks?

I'll check tomorrow to see if it jumps up and down any while running, I don't believe it does.

How much weight would be too much?

Thanks for all the help from everyone!

I will be picking up a manual for the 8N this week.


Should I lower the implement to the ground when I stop the engine?

Does it matter if the PTO Lever on the left side is engaged or not?

 

[Jerry/MT]

I checked the oil for water and it was clean, no water. New hydraulics were put in just before I bought it and has about 3 or 4 hours on it.
The plow is a middle buster and its heavy, I'm guessing about 50 to 75 lbs. I haven't timed it but after about 20 minutes to a half hour its on the ground.
With the engine running it doesn't move and it plows great.

That's pretty normal. There may be a slight leak in the lift cylinder but if it akes 20-30 miutes to leak down, it's a small leak and hardly worth removing the lift cover. You an pull the sideplate and look for a leaking pressure relief valve but what your seeing is pretty normal.

 

[Rick230]

Great, I'll leave it alone unless it causes a problem.

Each day I learn something new. So far everything I've read about these being a great tractor is true.

The more I use it the more I like it.

Thanks again.

 

[GManBart]

Mine leaks down at a similar rate...something like 20min (never timed it accurately) and the rear blade will be on the ground. It's not worth fixing...very minor issue.

 

[bcp]

The tractor is telling you to put implements down when parked.

Bruce

 

[trentonford3000]

i always put implements down and i am pretty sure the manual says it will lift about 800 pounds a brush cutter is a good match

 

[mostly_gas]

Chances are you have a leak in the lift cylinder seal. I never replaced mine on the 8N i had but probably not to difficult for a person with mechanical abilities. When the 3PT starts bouncing at the full up position is a good point to replace it. There are threads with detailed instructions but always good to have a shop manual around if you do it yourself.

 

[Soundguy]

That's pretty normal. There may be a slight leak in the lift cylinder but if it akes 20-30 miutes to leak down, it's a small leak and hardly worth removing the lift cover. You an pull the sideplate and look for a leaking pressure relief valve but what your seeing is pretty normal.

i 100% agree.

heck.. if it held a good weight for 5 minutes I would not tear into it.

it's when it starts dropping whwn you hit the clutch that it becomes a problem.

and to the OP.. is the seal hard to replace? not really.

generally needs a new piston, oring, backup washer.. top cover gasket, side cover gasket, and 3 small gaskets under the hyd yl.. for about 4 hours work.
me? I'm with jerry.. I'd leave it untill it became worse.

 

[Soundguy]

So far everything I've read about these being a great tractor is true.

The more I use it the more I like it.

Thanks again.

wait till you trade it in on a 861 or something similar... the you'll be really happy.