Leaking spool - fixable?

[dnw64]

Turns out it wasn't the quick-connect coupler o-rings on my GC2300 that were leaking after all, it's the "curl" spool (left side in pic below). Strange thing is that it's not used on this tractor and doesn't seem to even be set up to actually even work on this valve.

Notice the short cap - you can only retract the spool, not extend it. So it seems very odd that it would be worn to the point of leaking, when the up/down one has been used extensively and is not leaking.

There DOES seem to be some sort of seal just inside the valve body, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to remove it. I have the manual but it's in another location at the moment. Does it seem likely that it is a seal, and is field replaceable?

One last piece of info. When I took the cap off, the spring was caked with a thick, semi-hard whitish substance, like dried out grease. Additionally, the oil that was in there was white-ish, and had small clumpy white "stuff" in it. It looked to me similar to water in engine oil. Maybe just from condensation and the fact that the oil never actually circulates because that spool isn't used?

 

[DMW]

I should have taken pictures on Wednesday. To replace the o-rings under the cap(s), first remove the loader for easy access. Next remove the cap from the leaking spool (4mm Allen Key, my valve body is similar but not identical), this will expose the spool return spring, remove the inset bolt attaching it to the spool. When the spring along with the end pieces are removed, you will see a flat "washer" on the valve block. Remove the washer, either by shifting the valve, or a utility knife under the edge. There is an o ring under the washer (remember the raised center on the washer is orientated to the spool to seat the o ring.). Shift the spool or use a dental tool to remove the old o ring. Don't scratch the spool. I used a generic metric 2.4 x 13.8id as a replacement. If your not getting parts from the dealer the I believe the O ring size is 2.4x13.5 id, or 0.094" x 0.531"id (0.720"od) Clean up all the deposits on the spring and put it all back together. Grease the spring, or give it a coating of fluid film prior to replacing the end cap.

 

[DMW]

One last piece of info. When I took the cap off, the spring was caked with a thick, semi-hard whitish substance, like dried out grease. Additionally, the oil that was in there was white-ish, and had small clumpy white "stuff" in it. It looked to me similar to water in engine oil. Maybe just from condensation and the fact that the oil never actually circulates because that spool isn't used?
View attachment 552975

The residue left is the thickening agent from the grease after all the oil has seeped out. It is no longer effective to protect the parts. Replace with new grease or I just use fluid film. The detent spring for the lift arms is probably in the same condition. Good time to take the cap off and clean it up. Left too long it could end up looking like this:http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/massey-ferguson-owning-operating/63043d1161300464-gc2300-got-float-10_19_06-006b-jpg

 

[dnw64]

I should have taken pictures on Wednesday. To replace the o-rings under the cap(s), first remove the loader for easy access. Next remove the cap from the leaking spool (4mm Allen Key, my valve body is similar but not identical), this will expose the spool return spring, remove the inset bolt attaching it to the spool. When the spring along with the end pieces are removed, you will see a flat "washer" on the valve block. Remove the washer, either by shifting the valve, or a utility knife under the edge. There is an o ring under the washer (remember the raised center on the washer is orientated to the spool to seat the o ring.). Shift the spool or use a dental tool to remove the old o ring. Don't scratch the spool. I used a generic metric 2.4 x 13.8id as a replacement. If your not getting parts from the dealer the I believe the O ring size is 2.4x13.5 id, or 0.094" x 0.531"id (0.720"od) Clean up all the deposits on the spring and put it all back together. Grease the spring, or give it a coating of fluid film prior to replacing the end cap.

Thanks so much! I found an American spec O-Ring that seemed pretty close. I tried it, and it worked!

The old o-ring was all gummy and dissolving. It appeared to be white in color. Very strange.