8N hyd fluid level leaks galore!

I've read the 1200 or so posts and Zanes advice on R&R'ing the hydraulic system for an 8N. Mine has Fickle hydraulics - sometimes they'd lift right up and sometimes not. If they would lift, they would not stay (drift down).

Last weekend I watched the video 3 times, read the manual and proceeded to drain the fluid, drop the pump and clean it up (outlet valves), replaced the safety valve & put new fluids & gaskets in.

Things I didn't do:
1) check the cam follower pin (I don't know why, I just forgot!)
2) did not disassemble & clean intake & check valves on pump.

Results:
1) Still may or may not lift. 2) If it lifts and then I drop it, it takes a minute or 2 before it lifts again.
3) Usually holds (doesn't drop) if it does lift, but not always (argh!)
4) I have leaks around pump plate on trans housing. I guess I didn't put the bolts back in the right order - does anyone know the sequence of short/long bolts???

Final question - I've read the posts here about taking the inspection cover off and checking what the pump is doing. I've done this again and again, but I can't see any of the valves for they are all submerged in transmission fluid? Is this right or not? How low/high should the fluid be? I put in 5 gallons.

Any ideas? What else should I check?

Thanks for any help!
Bob - 1949 8N

Leaks around the pump base - did you use a new gasket and clean both gasket faces to a surgical standard? As far as the bolt lengths go, if it won't go in all the way, it's too long . . . observe the thickness of the cast bosses on the pump base. The thicker the boss, the longer the bolt.

The pump suction is just about the lowest point in the system. You can let out at least two gallons of oil, probably more, until the pressure relief valve is fully exposed, and it will still run just fine.

HTH

llater,

llamas

I'll check the cam pin and linkage next. I was trying to find the pin in the FO-4 service manual - parts diagrams but don't see it...what is it close to and or labelled so I know where to look once I take the top off.

Thanks!

Just rebuilt my NAA Lift Cover. While this may be different than your 8N, I believe the Cam Follower pin and location is the same. It rides on a cam that is attached to the cylinder the Lift Arms are attached to. I had to remove the linkage from my lift cover to press it out. I can't acess any of my pictures I have of it, right now, but would be glad to later tonight. Just post again tonight asking for a pic if you'd like.

Jim