Ford 841-d or new lawn ornament???

Hi Guys;
New to this forum, will try to keep it short. Just got an 841-D, price was right..doesn't get any better than free! This tractor runs like a top, no visable leaks (I power washed it), it even came with a Superior Model 220S loader and most everything works with a couple exeptions which is where I need some real expertise.

Tires are shot and electrical system consists of battery, starter button,solenoid and cable to the starter. Generator is still there but I haven't tested it for output yet. All wires and other electrical stuff cut away, no problem, I'll deal with that later.
My problem is power steering. It takes 3 men and gorilla to turn this machine. This is what I have done so far.

No visable leaks anywhere in PS system, belt is good, hoses are hooked up correctly, fluid flow at the cylinders.
I cleaned reservoir & filter, filled with fluid (dexron VI PS fluid) probably the wrong stuff! Raised wheels off ground, turned L & R to purge air, refilled, did it again. No Help.

The little handbook says to use Type A ATF or M-2C41 spec fluids.
I did research on that spec & I'm now more confused than ever as to what type of fluid to use. I don't even know if fluid type has that much effect, I would think it must.
I looked up power steeing pumps, they are few and far between and they are really [b:3d018840e6]expensive[/b:3d018840e6]. To pricey to buy on a whim just to see if that's the problem.
I don't really know what is going on in the steering box, I would think it just directs the high pressure to one side or the other.

I don't mind throwing a few bucks at this machine, but I would like to try everything I can to fix this PS problem before I start buying these solid gold parts. Service manuals are on the way.

Anyway between the PS and arthritis this beauty is just a pink (paint is faded) & grey yard ornament because for me it is unusable. Wife doesn't care for the ornament aspect either.
Any knowledge and info you guys can throw my may will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Darwin
 
Does the engine pull down when you turn the steering wheel? If it does raise the front end, disconnect steering arms and turn the front wheels by hand. If they don't turn easily one or both of the spindles may be rusted up inside.
 
I replace the PS pump on mine for $140. Of course you will
have to see which one you have and move over your parts.

That said, a quick check is to take the lid off and you should
see fluid flowing back in the res from the return line. If that
stops when you turn the wheel the pump or relief valve is
likely bad. As in no pressure to the valve.

If not it could be the steering valve.

I found a gouge in the pump housing. A Cardone 96-6051
was a direct replacement. But I did have to come up with new
o-rings for the output fitting.
 
Often, with a long inactive PS system, when you get it working again the seals in the control valve will fail... Count on replacing them and reconditioning the shaft they move against----or you might get lucky.
 
Brendon;
Colorado..I've only had it 4 days, not quite ready to sell, but keep your eyes open. I'm 70 years old and notoriously short on patience
Darwin
 
Marty 52;
Spindles are fine, they move freely unhooked and are well lubed. Also cylinders activate correctly, but I don't know how much pressure they are generating. Obviously not enough.

Errin OH;
I looked up that cardone pump you mentioned and it sure looks right to me & they are readily available at $125 to $150. All the tractor places have them priced from $500 to $700 , go figure!
If it's the right pump at $125 I'll replace it just on general principle.

Sean in PA; Thanks for the current spec #. Got any idea what off the shelf readily available product I should get for a test run on this pump? I'm really thinking this dexron VI is not the ticket

Jeff PK ;
Where is this control valve you mentioned? In the pump or in the steering box? I don't have the shop manuals yet. Boy do I hope it's in the pump.

By the way I do have good fluid return to the pump reservoir

Thanks guys..I'll keep at it a while longer
Darwin
 
If you've got Tractor Supply store near by, they sell a UTF called "Travellers Premium Universal Tractor Trans/Hydraulic Fluid" that meets the 134D specification. It's the cheapest around my area.

Traveller's UTF at TSC

Some folks say that in their parts of the country Walmart carries a UTF that meets the 134D spec that's a little less expensive, but the local Walmart stores here in PA don't carry any UTF. Here's a link to the one on Walmart's web site. It actually looks to be a few dollars more than the one at TSC today:

[u:14d18ac5c9]Super Tech Heavy Duty Tractor Hydraulic and Transmission Fluid at Walmart[/u:14d18ac5c9]
 
If you've got Tractor Supply store near by, they sell a UTF called "Travellers Premium Universal Tractor Trans/Hydraulic Fluid" that meets the 134D specification. It's the cheapest around my area.

Traveller's UTF at TSC

Some folks say that in their parts of the country Walmart carries a UTF that meets the 134D spec that's a little less expensive, but the local Walmart stores here in PA don't carry any UTF. Here's a link to the one on Walmart's web site. It actually looks to be a few dollars more than the one at TSC today:

[u:d345db5fb1]Super Tech Heavy Duty Tractor Hydraulic and Transmission Fluid at Walmart[/u:d345db5fb1]
 
If you've got Tractor Supply store near by, they sell a UTF called "Travellers Premium Universal Tractor Trans/Hydraulic Fluid" that meets the 134D specification. It's the cheapest around my area.

[u:4a087dd751]Traveller's UTF at TSC[/u:4a087dd751]

Some folks say that in their parts of the country Walmart carries a UTF that meets the 134D spec that's a little less expensive, but the local Walmart stores here in PA don't carry any UTF. Here's a link to the one on Walmart's web site. It actually looks to be a few dollars more than the one at TSC today:

[u:4a087dd751]Super Tech Heavy Duty Tractor Hydraulic and Transmission Fluid at Walmart[/u:4a087dd751]
 
If you've got Tractor Supply store near by, they sell a UTF called "Travellers Premium Universal Tractor Trans/Hydraulic Fluid" that meets the 134D specification. It's the cheapest around my area.

[u:2b0af99983]Traveller's UTF at TSC[/u:2b0af99983]

Some folks say that in their parts of the country Walmart carries a UTF that meets the 134D spec that's a little less expensive, but the local Walmart stores here in PA don't carry any UTF. Here's a link to the one on Walmart's web site. It actually looks to be a few dollars more than the one at TSC today:

[u:2b0af99983]Super Tech Heavy Duty Tractor Hydraulic and Transmission Fluid at Walmart[/u:2b0af99983]
 
control valve is attached to the steering box. The tubes from the cylinders and the pump all run to it---down under the dash. If it starts leaking hydro fluid low, or high at the wheel, along the steering column you have a busted seal...
 
Sean in PA; Thanks for the current spec #. Got any idea what off the shelf readily available product I should get for a test run on this pump? I'm really thinking this dexron VI is not the ticket

Mots folks go with the cheapest UTF they can find that meets the 134D spec. The cheapest one that I can find near me is at TSC. It's called "Travellers Premium Universal Tractor trans/Hydraulic Fluid" and is currently $39.99 for a 5 gallon bucket, which is a bargain compared to "real" 134D fluid from new Holland at somewhere around $70.00 for the same amount, and every now and then TCS puts it on sale for $32 or $34 a bucket, and that's when I buy it. TSC sells another one that's less expensive, but it just says on the label "Good for most older tractors", and it doesn't list any manufacturer's specs. The Travellers Premium says that it meets the specs for all of the major brands, JD, Kubota Ford/New Holland, Case, etc. TSC also sells a third one called Travellers Renew, which also meets the specs, but it's more expensive and it claims that it has "Improved seal performance minimizing common leaks in older tractors", which just means to me that it has some sort of stop-leak product in it that makes it cost more, and may clog up some critical passageway in the hydraulic system, so I've never tried that one.

Some folks on here say that their local Walmart carries a UTF that meets the 134D spec as well, and sometimes it can be on sale for even less than the Travellers Premium at TSC, but I'm not so lucky with the Walmart stores near me.
 
Jeff;
I was afraid you were going to say that. I peeked under there and there is no sign of leakage. The shop manuals are on the way now, so I'll have a look at the degree of difficulty and maybe I can find a rebuild kit for that valve and have a go at it.
So far I'm only the price of a battery and manual into this thing.
4 tires will be a bit pricey. Electrical won't be bad, so if I can catch a break on this power steering I should have a real good machine for less than $2500. When I got it I thought it was only 20 or so years old..it looks great. Given the fact that it is 55+ years old I think I'll give it a little more TLC.
Thanks for your help
Darwin
 
I agree, make sure that you can get the functional items working before you sink big dollars into a new set of tires.
 
I found some fluid, ..At a Carquest store, $14 per gallon. Several places in town have a product that meets the specs but they only carry 5 gal buckets. I don't know how much need but I don't think it's 5 gallons. I'll start with a couple gallons.
Thanks for the Info.
Darwin
 
Brendon;
Never say never.. 3 years ago I hauled a trailer to Iowa to get a 31 ford AA truck.. I haven't been to town since last August, don't care to get out much, have a wife for that :D !
Darwin
 
For the power steering, yes, a couple of gallons should do for now. The sump for the 3 point hydraulics uses the same fluid, so if you get around to changing that out you will need more. Plus, the transmission and rear axle can take either gear oil or the 134D UTF, but most folks use the 134D in all 3 sumps because it's easier to keep one kind of fluid on hand, plus it avoids cross contamination if any leaks ever develop between the different sumps, and on tractors this old, they usually do leak at leas a little between the sumps.
 

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