MF 3165 Industrial Tractor Parts Issues

However, prior to purchasing it a number of issues were noticed. The front casting was broken where the P/S cylinder attached and a new one had to be installed...the unit would not turn left but made a very complete right turn and that resulted in our noticing the broken casting. with the casting and cylinder pin replaced with new, the unit still did not rutn left. Does anyone know what might be the cause? We did a work-around but, the mystery is still not solved. Tie rods are correct, all appears to be in order but, with the wheels straight the cylinder is NOT at the half way point. It is nearly all within the cylinder which allows for a very limited left turn and an extreme right turn. Any ideas?

Also, I have noticed that it tends to leak some power steering fluid after shutdown. Is this possibly due to everything being removed, replaced and refilled and it is just overflow?

Any information on the availability of parts, information or manuals on this machine would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Joe C.

The vertical shaft and bushes going through the casting must also be in good condition. To adjust;
On the steering arm you will see a large nut with a slotted bolt in it. Slacken the nut. Disconnect the turn buckle and screw the bolt down until it becomes tight under light pressure. Adjust the turn buckle so that the pins just fit. Nip up adjusting nuts. Unscrew the slotted bolt SEVEN turns and nip the lock nut.
This should give you equal assistance in both directions. Minor further adjustments of the bolt may be required.
The system works by having a small amount of play in the steering wheel. Have an assistant move the wheel back and forth and check for any wear or incorrect movement.
TO check oil level;
With the steering cylinder fully withdrawn check the oil level. The system requires the least oil at this position. In any other position it would be over filled.

Regards DavidP

Further to Thomas's comment it is possible for the steeing arm on the bottom of the vertical shaft to have moved. There is a cut-out to allow the bolt to pass through. In severe cases of wear in the splines and bolt the shaft can turn a considerable amount. This would appear not to be the case as you say you have checked the linkage etc.
More than happy to give you any further help.
Regards
DavidP

THANK YOU for your replies. I have printed them and will verify all you stated when I return up north to my property. The tractor is located 240 miles north of Detroit, Michigan where I own 240 acres thus, the reason for the tractor. The deer hunting was great this year and my sons and I want to work the 10+/- acres of open fields with suitable crops to attract more game.

David, your detailed information will be exactly what I investigate first.

Thomas, the shaft is not twisted as you suggested it would be unlikely. The spline on mine however is a "blind spline" in that it has a dead spot on it and thus, will not fit but in only one way. I suspect the turnbuckle adjustment mentioned by David just might be the ticket...I hope so!

It appears that the previous owner did not know of these things thus causing the pins/casting to severely crack the casting at that point. This resulted in the replacement of all pins, the casting and much of the associated hardware from removal. New parts, not used. The cost to the current owner was over $2200.00 USD which he painstakingly did have performed by a dealership and sold me the unit for the originally agreed upon price.

Simply by visual observance I could tell that there was nothing "broken or wrong" with the unit at this point and continued with the purchase. But, I knew someone out there like you gentlemen would have valuable information that would lead me to correcting the problem without having to tear apart the whole machine again. Aside from the issues stated, the machine is in very good condition, powerful, totally entact and functional. I suspect that you both are correct in that I believe it is virtually identical to the UK unit.

Just for my own information, the unit runs at about 160-165 degrees F, has an idle oil pressure of 50-55 psi (500 RPM)and runs smoothly at that idle as well as at the governed throttle of 2000 RPM.

Sorry for the way too long response but, again Thank you for helping out and if you have any further info I certainly would appreciate it!

Best regards to you both,

Joe C.