Now I did it. 4000 3 point lift problem

kmacht

Member
I posted a while back about the 3 point lift
on my 63 ford 4000 having issues being jerky
while lifting a post hole digger. The lift
always had plenty of power but was jerky.

Tonight I drained the fluid and found it was
contaminated with water. It was a very
light brown chocolate milk color. While it
was draining I pulled the small cover off of
the top plate. I had bought a top cover
gasket kit and figured I would at least
replace the small block off cover o rings.
I replaced them and here is where I think I
may have screwed up. There is some sort of
valve under that cover. I unscrewed the cap
that holds 2 springs under it thinking maybe
there was another seal there. There wasn't
so I put it back.

I then refilled the fluid and started the
tractor. The lift didn't work at all so I
pulled the Allen plug on the pump and bled
it. The lift now raises but very slowly and
has now power. I can push it back down by
hand. When I shut the tractor off the lift
instantly drops back down. It is like there
is a one way valve not allowing pressure to
build or be retained. I don't see any leaks
coming from the cylinder through the fill
hole.

What should I check next or what did I screw
up? I doubt an internal leak since it
worked before. Any idea what that valve on
the small top plate is for?

Keith
 
Did you ever move the position of the lift arms on the digger closer to the digger? I had the same problem with mine. It was pretty much uncontrollable until I repositioned the arms on the digger. I believe it was putting too much pressure on the big spring.
 
Is there an actual valve there that gets removed? When I pulled the cap off the only thing I removed was two springs (one inside the other which I thought was odd). I put them back and put the cap back on. There was fluid inside the hole so I decided it was best to just leave it be. It is almost like that safety valve is stuck open and not letting the lift build or hold pressure. An exploded parts diagram of the 3 point system would really help me figure out how everything works and where to look but I haven't been able to find one yet.

Keith
 
That was going to be my next step. Seeing how milky the fluid was I figured a quick fluid change would be in order either way. It's not really working out that well though.

Keith
 
Ram cylinder safety relief valve. Moving parts are a ball & springs. If pressure overcomes springs, it relieves pressure. By disassembly you may have let trash get between ball and seat, may have messed up relief pressure setting, etc. A good rule of thumb is, 'if you don't know what it is/does, don't mess with it'. Might take it apart, clean & inspect???? Good luck.
 
I got it working this weekend. It turned out to be that safety relief valve under the little square plate in front of the seat. Previously I had just pulled the cap and springs out. This time I found that a 5/8 socket would remove the whole assembly. I pulled it out and found that the seat inside of the valve was sitting a little crooked. I removed the springs, cleaned everything up, carefully put the springs and seat back ensuing it was straight to the bore and now everything works again.

Keith
 

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