How to Check level of hydrolic fluid?

bowman316

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I have a 1970 international harvester, 50 hp. With a front hydrolic plow, and a back 3-point hitch on it. When I check the hydrolic fluid level, with both attachements down, The level is right at full.
But when I check with both plows up, the fluid level reads slightly below low.

So which one is right, or should i average the two readings?
should i add more fluid?
 

rbh

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Re: How to Check level of hydrolic fluid?

I have always checked the fluid with the rams fully retracted or contracted . As well the fluid as it gets warm will expand, showing more fluid, much like your automatic tranny.
 
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bowman316

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Re: How to Check level of hydrolic fluid?

the hydrolic pump has been whining for some time now. I don't think it is doing because it is low. maybe just because it is an old pump
 

Bondo

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Re: How to Check level of hydrolic fluid?

Ayuh,... I agree the level should be checked "At Rest"....

Does this old cornbinder have a Hyd. Filter,..??
If it's gettin' goobered up, it'll cause the pump to starve...
 

windsors03cobra

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Re: How to Check level of hydrolic fluid?

Hydro fluid checked with rams collapsed for sure.

Hydros usually do whine a bit so that can be normal and in a properly designed system the filter will be on the return to prevent oil starving and ultimately burning up the pump.
Do these hydros use the multi trans/hydro fluid in the back axle for the lift or does it have a separate reservoir ?
Sometimes changing the oil will reduce whine, different brand oils in addition to different weights can reduce or increase whine in my experiences.

50 hp should be about a Farmall 460 ? Or is this a yellow job ?
 

bowman316

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Re: How to Check level of hydrolic fluid?

its a yellow Tractor. Don't know the model off hand. But it is a 5 spd. Has power steering, which works off the same hydrolics.
I don't think the hydrolics are tied to the back axle at all.

The place where you check it is inbetween your legs. Right near where the engine meets the transmission.
 

windsors03cobra

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Re: How to Check level of hydrolic fluid?

Yea a pipe plug right in the side of the transmission/axle case ?
 

bowman316

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Re: How to Check level of hydrolic fluid?

it is a dipstick on top of the floor, in the center. half-way between the clutch pedal, and the brakes.
the dipstick is right below the steering wheel
 

windsors03cobra

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Re: How to Check level of hydrolic fluid?

Oh that sounds pretty de-lux. Good old equipment.
 

bowman316

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Re: How to Check level of hydrolic fluid?

i don't think the PTO or hydrolics are tied into the transmission directly. I have no trouble stopping the tractor, with the pto enganged, like you do with the 8N fords. The pto has nothing to do with the running gears. Same thing with the pump that runs the hydrolics.
 
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