IH 254 Hydraulic Stopped Working

A couple of weeks ago I changed the hy-tran fluid because I had water in it from a badly cracked shifter boot. I was not quite able to drain it completely so there was still some water in the fluid. Then I shredded for about 8 hrs without any problems. I parked it for a week and was going to drain the hy-tran fluid again last Sunday. When I went to move the tractor the 3ph hydraulics would not work; completely unresponsive, wouldn't lift the shredder. I didn't see any leaks. I check the trans level, and it was within the operating range. The linkage seems to be intact. I have never worked on hydraulics but am willing to give it a go.

Where should I begin the diagnostics adventure. I have a shop manual for reference. Any help appreciated.

Norm

Just looking thru the IT manual here.

That hydraulic filter appears to be a full-flow filter. That is, all oil must pass thru the filter before it can even get to the pump up in front of the radiator. Is it good? Is the pump mechanically connected?

Did you get in the full 3 1/2 gallons of oil? I put 5 in mine just to be sure.

Allan

When I replaced the hy-trans fluid the other day I was not able to get it all out through the plug. I guess I replaced about 4.5 gal. My book says it holds 22 quarts (5.5 gal). I need to find a lower outlet to drain from.

The pump is still mounted securely to the engine. Nothing seems to have changed as far as I can tell...but I'm no mechanic.

Do you have one of these tractors?

Norm

I have the same exact tractor and no auxrillary remotes on mine either.

That drain is down on the left rear midsection of the tractor. I notice that someone has replaced that hydraulic pump on mine so maybe they were a weak link? Dunno.

I guess the next thing I would check is to see if in fact oil is getting to the pump and then if it is under pressure coming off the pump.

Allan

Mine is a 284. They are about the same, aren't they?

Allan

But your advice is good. I just need some basic hydraulic troubleshooting help. I'll check those things tomorrow. It's dark right now.

Norm

There is definitely hydraulic fluid moving through the system when the engine is running. I can see it in the filter housing when I remove the cap. Also the fluid level is full.

When I move the 3ph lever the pump doesn't run. Normally when I move the lever to raise the 3ph the engine strains a little. Now nothing happens. The pump isn't pumping.

What should I check next? Could the problem be in the relief or control valve? This tractor does not have power steering and the PTO is mechanical. I can see no visible problem with the linkage but I'm not sure I would recognize a problem.

There is water in the hydraulic oil but it was there before I shredded 2 weeks ago and I had no problems. I had drained and replaced some of the water-oil and will completely change it when I fix this problem.

Any help greatly appreciated. The pasture weeds are getting tall:(

Norm

So, there is fluid moving through both the high and low pressure lines, but I can't raise the shredder. Other than that everything seems to be working OK.

Can someone help me with this?
Norm