MF loader cap plate leak

merlintractor · Jun 4, 2018

I've sprung a leak at the joystick cap plate on my MF loader. My plan is to remove the plate, clean the surfaces and reseal with blue RTV. My question is, how much do I torque down the three retaining bolts? This my first DIY hydraulic repair...not my strong suit. Any advice appreciated.

shaeff · Jun 5, 2018

merlintractor said:
I've sprung a leak at the joystick cap plate on my MF loader. My plan is to remove the plate, clean the surfaces and reseal with blue RTV. My question is, how much do I torque down the three retaining bolts? This my first DIY hydraulic repair...not my strong suit. Any advice appreciated.

Post some pics, I'm not sure RTV is the way to go with this.

merlintractor · Jun 8, 2018

shaeff said:
Post some pics, I'm not sure RTV is the way to go with this.

Here you go...sorry it took so long, a little busy.

BeezFun · Jun 9, 2018

That seal, and the orings on the spool, are low pressure seals. The high pressure seal is provided by the machined surface of the spool. So if you've got a constant source of leaking oil, it's likely the spool is scored or damaged. With the cap off you can probably figure out which spool is leaking, then you can pull that one and inspect it. It's also possible the valve body has been distorted if its mounting configuration or tightness has been changed in some way.

merlintractor · Jun 10, 2018

BeezFun said:
That seal, and the orings on the spool, are low pressure seals. The high pressure seal is provided by the machined surface of the spool. So if you've got a constant source of leaking oil, it's likely the spool is scored or damaged. With the cap off you can probably figure out which spool is leaking, then you can pull that one and inspect it. It's also possible the valve body has been distorted if its mounting configuration or tightness has been changed in some way.

Ok, thx! I'll pull the cap plate and see what I can find.