1958 Model 1841:

I"ve had some real miseries with this 1841 over the 5+ years I"ve owned it. Now a new problem: It was sitting for 3 months and I started it up. Warmed up a bit; shut down to move some things around it. Started again because I had to move it out of a building. Power steering worked from near full right to center and I heard a soft, funny noise. Then NO power steering. I sure was reminded why these tractors MUST have some kind of power steering. Well, I manhandled it out of the building and across to gravel area where I shut it down.

First, this is NOT the cable system steering. It has the heavy steering components and a pump mounted just to the right and slightly above No. 1 spark plug hole. Canister reservoir sits on the pump and it has fluid in it to about 1 inch from rim. Pump has exhibited being a little wet lately so I suspected a slow leak somewhere, but worked fine. Belt is new and tight.I have NO idea where to begin dealing with this. Any tips would be appreciated. I put a lot of money in this tractor about 18 months ago and it now has a new, genuine Ford HD clutch, new in-front-of-engine drive shaft, rebuilt radiator, etc. Remaining problems have been that the hydraulic tank sprung a new leak and the rear rims are close to death. Now this. Sorry to be long winded; just discouraged. Dennis in E WA

Take the line off the outlet of the pump and see if anything spits out when you turn the engine over. Sounds like the pump quit pumping to me.

Makes sense, thanks, Bern. I looked it over again today in full daylight. There's a lot more plumbing on that darned thing than I realized. I'm not sure what all is inside the steering column and if that area is susceptible to much trouble. It sure has plenty of lines running into it. At least the pump is right out there to see. It's turning over fine....so nothing bound up that way. I'll see if I can find which is the output, crack the line and crank it over. I wonder if the PS system has a filter anywhere?? Dennis

Just because the pulley is turning doesn't mean that a key or gear inside did not shear. Given that you said it was working fine one moment, and then not at all, this is a distinct possibility.

Yes, I understand that and agree. I suppose I could remove the pump and attempt to tear it down myself. Never done one before. OR, find a shop to do it.

Dennis

Crack the pressure line first and crank the engine. If it sprays out fluid, I would keep looking for a problem elsewhere.