troubleshooting tractor hydraulics

[gbofarm]

I am new to the site but it looks like a lot of great information for new tractor owners like myself. I have a Ford 4000 tractor, early 1960's model. 3 point hitch worked great for a few months and then started to jerk a bit when lifting up implements. Next time a few months later I had to increase the idle to lift up the implement but it still appeared to work. The next time I could not get the implement to lift at all. I checked the fluid level and it appeared to be okay. Any suggests on how to start the troubleshooting process? Thanks in advance.

 

[medic0648]

Check the filter/s in the hydraulic sump to see if they are clogged. This usually requires draining all the hydraulic fluid. If you have an owners or service manual it will provide the steps for doing so. It does sound like a clogged filter or screen though.

 

[gbofarm]

Well I went to tractor supply and got a gauge that was suggested on another post I made later but I am not sure where the test port is to check it. But the tractor has sat since the last part of January and I fired it up today. The 3 point started to work again and seemed to pick up a scrape blade I had. There was a little shutter when it first took it up to the highest point but then it disappeared. Even when I turned off the tractor it held up the blade. I still plan on trying to check why it did what it did before when I get time. Thanks again for the help which I plan to put to use very soon.

 

[J_J]

If you have a FEL, you can install the gage in the IN port of the FEL valve.

If no FEL, find the pressure line from the pump and install a tee and put the gage in the tee.

Check any filters and screens and work the system and any air in the hyd will self purge.

 

[Tx Jim]

If you have a FEL, you can install the gage in the IN port of the FEL valve.

J_J
Maybe I'm not understanding what you're stating but if one installs a gauge in the "in port" on a FEL control valve there will be zero pressure on the gauge.

 

[J_J]

Well, perhaps I should have said to install a hyd gage in a tee in the IN port of a FEL valve if he has a FEL.

If no FElL then insert a tee in the pressure line from the pump and you can then monitor and trouble shoot the hyd system.

With all hyd levers in neutral, you should have no or very little pressure on the gage.

When using any hyd, you will see the pressure as a result of loading a hyd component.

 

[Bladehauler]

J_J
Maybe I'm not understanding what you're stating but if one installs a gauge in the "in port" on a FEL control valve there will be zero pressure on the gauge.

I think what JJ meant was to install the gauge tee'd into the fel inlet port. that way the gauge will see pump pressure as the system works.

 

[Tx Jim]

Well, perhaps I should have said to install a hyd gage in a tee in the IN port of a FEL valve if he has a FEL.

If no FElL then insert a tee in the pressure line from the pump and you can then monitor and trouble shoot the hyd system.


With all hyd levers in neutral, you should have no or very little pressure on the gage.

When using any hyd, you will see the pressure as a result of loading a hyd component.

I felt as if you meant tee gauge into supply line but a person with limited hyd experience might not have known that.

 

[oldnslo]

Not sure if the 4000 is built like the 1966 5000 but if they are their is an O-ring that goes between the transmission housing and seat base or transmission cover. This O-ring is in the pressure line from the pump to the directional valves for the rear remotes and also the 3PH. When this O-ring failed on our 5000 it would slowly lift the 3PH or any other function. Since this O-ring was before the directional valves it made it look like the pump was bad since you you lost flow while trying to build pressure. I used a screw driver as a stethoscope and could here the oil rushing / spraying inside the tranny housing.

From memory this oil passage was on the right side of the tractor almost directly below the directional valves a couple of inches in front of the 3PH lift shaft.

Were is sound guy, he could probably give you better instructions...

Roy

 

[Soundguy]

lets get some more info.

60's 4000 don't tell ya much.. as there are '2' 60's era 4000's and they are DRASTICALLY different.

is this a pre 65 4 cyl.. or a post 65 3 cyl. if a 3 cyl.. what pto type?

 

[rzacc]

I am struggling with hydrauli issues on a 5000 also, and ran across this thread. Could I ask: What is an FEL? My 5000 has very poor hydrualics. It will brely lift and the tilt will not hold. I have a Easy On loader that watns around 11 gm, but I dont think the stock pump is getting any where near that. Any suggestions??? Thanks
Ron

 

[J_J]

FEL = Front End Loader

Weak hyd could be several things.

Worn pump, bad seals in the cyl's, return partially blocked.

Relief valve could have trash in it keeping the valve open.

Also look at oldnslo's post #9

I suggest installing a hyd gage in the hyd system and use the gage for monitoring and trouble shooting the hyd system.

You can install the gage in a tee in the IN port of the FEL valve.

 

[Soundguy]

easy to test DA cyls for packing leaks by removing drop hose and pressurizing lift line and looking for bypassing oil out of drop port on cyl...

 

[gbofarm]

it is a pre 65 4 cyl diesel, and the pto type i will have to check on...

 

[Soundguy]

it is a pre 65 4 cyl diesel, and the pto type i will have to check on...

don't bother on pto type. pre 65 4 cyl is enough.. a later unit might have made a difference due pump.. etc.

if you have oil and no 3pt.. i'd pull a plug on the top of the pump and see if it has oil there when you crank over. if yes.. move to the hyd top cover and pull the plug in the 3x5 option cover and do the same. if no cover but has a AUX valve.. make sure it is not a detent style and kicked in.. as it will cause 3pt to not work.

if a valve is there.. see if it works an implement. can also plumb in a test gaguge and check it.

if no valve and there IS oil there .. then next step is to put in draft mode ( draft lever down) and see if lift works.. in fact.. play with draft lever while testing lift lever.

if that makes it work.. you are liekly looking at a cam follower pin replacement and linkage adjustment using the shop manual alternate procedure without the use of the NUDAY tools.

if the draft lever does not help.. then you will be pulling the top cover and seeing it it has a sticky unloader valve..

top cover gasket and oring kit is about 15$