JD 455 Hydraulic Valve Float Position

[caseyvand]

I'm having trouble keeping the hydraulic control valve in the float position when using my snowblower. I have moved ( 10-12 times)the control lever back and forth in and out of the float position but it will not always stay in "Float". I intend to to remove the end cap on the hydraulic control valve housing so that I can clean the spool detent and the detent balls and springs.
Does anyone know of any percautions that need to be taken when removing the end cap? (other than don't loose the springs or balls)
Thanks.......Casey

 

[beenthere]

You apparently just think it is dirty?

Here are the parts. Maybe weak springs or worn balls?

 

[mjncad]

Make sure you depressurize the system by moving all hydraulic control levers after shutting the engine off before cracking open a line.

Keep the work area clean and keep the dirt out of the system.

 

[Willl]

If it's like the one Beenthere posted, remove the detent plugs, springs and balls (if you can fish them out) before removing cap.

If cleaning and re-greasing don't help, stretching those springs a little will.

 

[Dutch445]

Take it apart carefully, those parts are very small!

look for crud on the balls or where they go, sometimes
condensation can cause them to ice up also

we have shimmed out that little shaft with a washer
to gain a more positive lock with the balls also

let us know what you find out, again, be very careful
when you take those parts out!

 

[caseyvand]

Thanks for the good pointers....I'll let know what I find. I expect to find rust and crud from codensation or maybe a broken or weak spring.
Thanks.....Casey

 

[caseyvand]

Hi Guys......I removed the end cap today and found no rust and everything was pretty clean. The only think I did was stretch the springs (as everybody suggested) about 1/16 ".....and that did the trick. They're tough little springs. Thanks for the help gentlemen.
Thanks.......Casey

 

[beenthere]

Thanks for the report back. Glad you are good to go.