1800 C - Power Steering - READ the Service Manual!

As I have chronicled since last December I have had a problem with the steering on our Oliver 1800 C. It started when we blew the line from the priority valve body when plowing frozen ground and hitting a large clod that forced the steering to far to the right.

I replaced the line with the hose-line replacement from AGCO and filled the hydraulic fluid resevoir, but still did not have steering even after turning the steering wheel to the right and left completely many times. Since this has a Saginaw steering motor I thought it was a self bleeding system so I tore into the front end yesterday to see just how badly I broke the steering cylinder.

I removed the grill and radiator then disassembled the cap and pinion of the steering cylinder only to find that all was in order with nothing broken. I replaced the pinion, cover, and radiator then fired up the tractor only to find that it steered too far to the right and hesitated at the middle of the arc. I went back to the service manual and read the last paragraph that stated you had to line up the TIMING MARKS and fill the clinder with oil.

Well DUH!! I removed the radiator again and opened up the steering cylinder to find that I was way off on eht eiming marks. I lined up the marks and filled the cylinder with oil. After I replaced the radiator and fired up the tractor the steering was back to normal. YIPPEEEEE!!!!!!!!

I did find that the splines on the right steering spindle were worn and .02" smaller than the left side. This must be the reason for the wobble in this wheel. Since I have the front end up on blocks I will replace it. Fortunately, the the other parts of the steering are tight so I won't have to replace the steering arm.

I need to get it back together so we can get ready to plant oats and hay in a few weeks.

Now I am off to surf the net to find a replacement spindle.

Jim

Makes a difference when the gear is positioned so they're ABLE to turn the other way doesn't it. Believe I'd just call Agparts First for a new spindle. Last used one I bought was from Worthington,but I believe they soaked me $100 or better for that one.

I've pretty much given up on "seat of the pants" repairs on stuff- unless it's just totally obvious. After a couple of mishaps (remove bolt, and unknown spring and checkball underneath propell themselves across the shop, never to be seen again; Loosen bolt, only to find it was an adjusting screw and now, you've got no way to figure out how to get it back to the right spot; etc.), I generally at least get an IT manual, if not a factory manual, before tackling anything substantial. Glad yours turned out OK.