dpauly
Bronze Member
Greetings. My post refers to a specific hydraulic pump - in my case a 2 pump Joyang F23 "stack" on a 2011 Branson 3120R - but I believe these pumps are used on many types of diesel equipment and my question I would think should be pertinent to many brands of pumps. So I recently replaced the Injector Pump on this tractor which required the removal of the gear case. Since I was in there and the tractor is coming up on 2000 hrs I decided to do some additional work such as replace the water pump and remove the subject hyd pumps so I could have a look inside and was pleased to see neither of the pumps (Main Hyd & Steering) showed any wear or defects. My question: having obviously lost some hydraulic fluid (at least that in the pumps and whatever leaked from the Hi & Lo Press lines) what is the best way to prevent cavitation of these pumps when I start the engine again for the first time? The tank/filter/pipes & lines and all other components are at a lower level on the tractor than the pump. I'm thinking by ensuring I replace the spilled fluid to the top of the tractor's sight glass it MAY get the level close to being sufficient to ensure "dry" pump operation will be at a minimum, but I just don't know. I have seen on youtube where some replacement pump mfg's recommend stuffing the pump(s) with petroleum jelly to remedy this situation. (The p.j. just melts once the pumps/fluid get hot and harmlessly mixes with the hyd fluid). Sounds like a plausible approach that I will probably try unless someone on here can assure me the brief time my pumps will be without oil is nothing to be concerned about OR there is a way recommended by the mfg I'm not aware of. Thanks in advance for any help here. I've learned a lot from reading the excellent posts/replies throughout this site.
