kubota L4400 3rd function switch or valve stuck

[CptTrog]

Hi, folks.
Hooked up the old timber grapple for the first time in a LOOOONG while (2 years?) today. Tried to operate it but sprayed fluid everywhere.
After tightening up a couple of leaky fittings, I tried to open the grapple using the 3rd function switch on the end of my FEL control arm.
Nothing. It 'sounded' like it tried to open. That is, I hear the hydraulic pump whine change significantly. Trouble is, that new whine does not stop. Even with the grapple hoses detached. Also, no function to the 3pt and the FEL raises exTREMELY slow. The bucket tilt seems to work okay in both directions but lifting and lowering is severely impaired. And that whine hasn't stopped yet.
Topped off fluids to make certain that wasn't an issue.
Suggestions?

TIA

 

[kennyd]

Its not uncommon for solenoid to "stick" when they are not used for a long time, the spool gets ever-so-slightly corroded and sticks in the bore. You will have to R&R it to be sure, and it sounds like your machine is going into relief now so you might want to limit operation till you get this sorted out.

 

[CptTrog]

Its not uncommon for solenoid to "stick" when they are not used for a long time, the spool gets ever-so-slightly corroded and sticks in the bore. You will have to R&R it to be sure, and it sounds like your machine is going into relief now so you might want to limit operation till you get this sorted out.

Is the solenoid you describe the one those two lines come back into from the front? Directly beneath the FEL control arm block?
And is honing it out something that I can DIY? I've got a set of brake cylinder hones used for a similar purpose.
And yes, I'm limiting all activity on the machine. Thanks for the info!

 

[kennyd]

Yes, that sounds like the valve. Sometimes there is a button or a hole that will operate the spools manually so you can exercise the spool, can you post a picture?

Here is a pic of my diverter spool I had to clean up once, the slightest bit of corrosion will bind them up:

 

[CptTrog]

Yes, that sounds like the valve. Sometimes there is a button or a hole that will operate the spools manually so you can exercise the spool, can you post a picture?

Any clues to where those manual test pins might be found would be helpful!

Here are links to my images...
Position on machine:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/m4sfvaha7qf4mo6/2015-08-22 06.31.42.jpg?dl=0
Close up:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/so472njjn5sghsm/2015-08-22 06.21.39.jpg?dl=0
Part number "2BF-D1"?:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/hhx0tww6o3s6n4f/2015-08-22 06.25.56.jpg?dl=0

On a completely unrelated note, I got the machine tangled up with some boulders while pulling some large Ash trunks up from "off-road" and know I bottomed out a time or three. Any clue about the 'dangly bit' in this image and should I be concerned that it appears to have been bent?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/34v2rqy3k3rpezj/2015-08-22%2006.32.29.jpg?dl=0

Thanks!!

 

[kennyd]

Take a look at this video, it explains the basics of a solenoid valve. FYI your setup is made by WR Long, its not OEM Kubota.

 

[J_J]

Remove the screw caps on the end of the solenoid and see if there is a rod you can push or turn to manually activate the valve.

You may have to to take the plunger/spool out and clean it.

 

[CptTrog]

Remove the screw caps on the end of the solenoid and see if there is a rod you can push or turn to manually activate the valve.

You may have to to take the plunger/spool out and clean it.

Was able to disassemble and get the spool out with a slight bit of difficulty. Thought that the resistance/grinding felt when coming out would be corrosion. Nope. When it finally came out, I found a couple of very small pieces of metal stuck to the grooves. No corrosion at all; it was shiny, clean and well lubed.
Ran a small pocket magnet down through the valve body and pulled out what you see in this image.

Reassembled valve, mounted grapple and worked for two cycles. On third attempt, found it works to open grapple but will not close.
Next step will be to drain and flush the system. New filters and new oil. Since those are not 'shavings' pulled from the valve body, I can only begin to imagine what I'll find in the filters. Hoping this is a one-off event and not something far worse.

 

[CptTrog]

Take a look at this video, it explains the basics of a solenoid valve. FYI your setup is made by WR Long, its not OEM Kubota.

Thanks, Kenny. Most helpful info. Gave me the confidence to take on disassembling my valve.

 

[kennyd]

Let up know what happens, that was some ugly bits you pulled out of there!