3020 Gasoline Tractor

Quite some time ago, I put out a question on going through our 3020 gasoline powered tractor. Well, last summer it was torn into with mostly pleasant surprises. The last engine overhaul had occurred in the first half of the 1970's, with a new tach installed. This tach broke about 8 years ago and it had something on the order of 6700 hours. The horrible missing was caused by a broken rocker arm shaft. We had the head milled with new valves installed. The cylinders still had some cross hatch showing, so we didn't tear any further into the engine. The hydraulic pump was in touch shape, so we obtained a remanufactured main hydraulic pump. It ran good after that, but over the winter, the head gasket leaked some coolant externally when the temperatures dropped below -20 degrees. So, off the head came again and a new head gasket was installed. Hopefully this one will hold. On my long drive, after the rear end had warmed up, every so often the front wheels would make a full turn to the right. As I drove it down the road, I noticed I was gradually turning the wheel to the right, all the while steering straight forward and having to make small corrections as I went along. Am I correct the most probable culprit is the steering control valve body is in need of rebuild, or is this something down in the steering motor causing this? I was only around one other Deere tractor which did this, but I only operated it for a half hour and couldn't make any firm observations as to what all was going on.
 
You know Tim S is the expert here so perhaps he will post. I will share one experience and a test.

My neighbors 4020's steering wandered excessively when going down the road. I did the bleed procedure and the problem went away and it remains good a year and a half later.

On this 1967 4020 there was a bleed valve on the left side of the steering assembly at the base of the steering column. I ran a clear hose from the bleed valve to the fill port of the tractor. I opened the bleed valve and turned the steering wheel to it's extremes until I had all oil going through the tube. Tractor was running. I am recalling this from memory so I suggest you see if you can find the procedure.

Your symptoms sound a little different, so again, I hope Tim S posts. Tim might have some more tests to narrow where to look.

Also, a test to run, there is a small hose going from the steering motor bearing cavity to what I believe to be the oil cooler. Take the hose off at the Oil Cooler and aim it into a pail. Run the tractor and steering. If you have oil under pressure you have a leak in the steering motor. I honestly cannot recall but I assume I plugged the port to the oil cooler. If someone can add detail please do.

At least these are some places to start.

Paul
 
Your steering problem is the steering motor. Those rubber piston
rings will look like a mouse chewed them.
No excuse for that head leaking except it was probably not retorqued
properly. Or possibly block surface not cleaned.
 

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