Hydro Lift Valve Leak - 1641
 

Hi folks, this is my first time posting on here as it recently came as a recommendation from a great contributor to another forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

So, I recently bought a 1641 that has some issues. The first major issue I've run into was a hydro fluid leak. I've identified it at the Hydro Lift Valve (the deck lift lever). It's coming from where the inlet is to the valve (see #11 in the image below). I actually have an entire rebuild kit for the valve, but since I narrowed it down to that one line I figured I'd try just replacing the o-rings in all 4 lines.

Tonight I replaced all of the o-rings and it's still leaking out of the inlet line. My question is this; Do I need to pursue the rebuild of the entire valve, or is that not the issue? It seems to me that there is an issue somewhere else. Where the inlet and outlet tubes connect into the valve you can see right through from one side to the other, so I can't imagine the valve is causing too much pressure in the lines. However, is it possible there is a blockage somewhere further down the line causing the leak? :bigthink:

One thing to note is that the fluid coming out is a bit mixed in color, appearing white and possibly foamy on the ground.

http://www.partstree.com/parts/dispd...ilRO=0&ilSC=34

Clyde
I don’t think it is a pressure or blockage issue. Take a good look at the sealing surfaces and also make sure the clamp (part#6) is not upside down or that it is not bent. You may have a crack in the line also.

Good to see you made it over here.

Thanks Sam!

I reinspected everything just now. No cracks, no bent or upside down clamp... I'm at a loss. I can't logically think of any other reasons.

Can you get some pics of the leak? Wondering if you nicked the O-ring? It's got to be something simple. I'd pull the valve and inspect everything with a magnifying glass. Look for a crack at the tube ends. Compare the one that leaks to the ones that don't leak.

Tried to get pictures. It seems impossible. My camera just won't do it. But after watching it again while trying to take pictures it seems to be squirting out pretty focused and hard so I'm thinking there may be a pinhole in the line just on the outside of the flange somehow.

Am I going to have to order the line from cub if this turns out to be it? Or is there something I can use similar brake line and a bender? This line is solid all the way back. No rubber.

How about the possibility of the water in the system causing the leak? Blowing by the seal?

Since I took it apart a little further and cleaned it up some more I noticed some gasket sealer on almost every opening of the rear/trans. I'm thinking that might be where the water is coming from.

I'm afraid you may need to get a new or good used line. I think they have a special end on them. Take the line off and inspect if with a magnifying glass to see if it has a crack in it at the flare or if maybe it’s worn through. It may be possible to get it welded or brazed.

Still think if it has water in the oil it's from condesation that has accumulated over who knows how long since it was changed last. Get some oil and a NAPA 1410 or Wix 51410 oil filter for it.

Sam,

I have enough fluid an filters to flush out and refill/replace for a second pass. I was thinking about draining the fluid out once and refilling with a new filter to see if that helps this issue. The fluid has to be thinker. Still don't know if that will make a difference.

If you are using Hytran then you don't have a water issue. Hytran encapsulates water and turns it into a jelly like substance that sinks to the bottom of your rearend. no other fluid does that and that's why we recommend Hytran over other oils that meet Hytran specs.

AJ

I would get in contact with Patton Acres or Ray's IH Parts and get a used replacement line.

AJ

Is part # 27 in yours? That is a relief valve.

Thanks AJ. I just picked up the tractor. No clue what's really in it. I plan in flushing it all out, but before I do that I'd like to figure out this leak.

#27 is in it.

So I took the line off and there is a hairline crack under where the clamp sits. Now onto finding solutions!

Clyde

I checked the Cub parts site, they have the line in stock.

Part #727-3067 $50.99

Think you told me you live in PA. if so I'd give these guys a shot.

http://www.messicks.com/

Or try the sponsors at the top of the page.

Sam, thanks. I did see that. I'm going to try a local place first that makes hydraulic lines. I've heard they do good work and while you wait. I'll let you know how I make out.

Just an update. While I'm working on getting a new line I drained out the Hydro Fluid and figured I'd share some of the photos.

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/c.../DSC_04882.jpg
This is the sludge that came out looking like caramel. No clue what fluid they had in there.

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/c...1/DSC_0499.jpg
This is how the rear looked before I cleaned it out. Plenty of sludge and gasket sealer from the last time this was opened apparently.

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/c...1/DSC_0504.jpg
All cleaned up!

Going to let it drain at least overnight and get the cover back on.

Good man. Re-fill it like I told you and run it for a few hours and do it again and then put the good stuff in unless you are like me and plan on changing it every year. The Hy-Tran is awesome at holdin water. If you change it one a year it is a waste of $$$.

Sam, definitely following your advice.

I bought some of the stuff from NAPA to flush it out. Then, when I was at the Cub dealer for some of the other parts I needed I picked up the Cub fluid. It's a ways away from here to get to a Case dealer.

The Cub stuff gonna be OK?

Cub stuff is the same just WAY more $$$$ cause it comes in a Cub bottle. Gotta love it. The American way. :bash2:

As long as you bought the "Hydraulic Transmission Fluid" and not the "Drive System Fluid Plus" you're golden. HTF is Hytran under a different name.

the fluid that came out of that was definitely not Hytran!

AJ

Thanks AJ. I bought the Cub Cadet Hydraulic Trans Fluid. I was pretty appalled by what came out of there!!!

Great job on getting the rear end cleaned out.:beerchug:

Hey thanks a lot Methos. First time doing it. Just picked up this particular Cub and it was incredibly dirty. I'll have to post some before/after pics once I get it running.

So, my dad took the line last night and he brazed it today! It worked great. I'd like to pick up a spare set in the meantime, but he did a great job. On to the next issue, the fuel system!!

Clyde

This is a link to what I have done on my 3 Supers. Much of it will apply to your 1641.

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15421