L3800 HST Power Steering Issue

[Who is John Galt]

Hello Fellas . . . L3800 with aprox 170hrs on it. This has happened a couple times before but was intermittent . . . Started her up today and had no power steering while stationary . . seemed OK when moving . . .. . and after a few moments of operating it was OK.

Has done this before a few times.

Thought on what to look for?

Thanks!!

 

[CaveCreekRay]

Hyd fluid levels OK? Filter changed on schedule?

Ray

 

[Who is John Galt]

Hyd fluid levels OK? Filter changed on schedule?

Ray

Yes on both Ray. Filters and fluids changes at 50 hrs.

 

[1970cs]

How are your other functions at the same time i.e. loader/three point?

Pat

 

[Who is John Galt]

How are your other functions at the same time i.e. loader/three point?

Pat

Everything is good Pat . . that's why this is so puzzling.

 

[Fedup]

The term "no power steering" is key here. That can be/mean a number of different things. The steering wheel doesn't turn when usual effort is applied, as in low oil supply from steering pump. The wheel turns easily with no attempt at actually moving the tires, as with a steering cylinder bypassing internally. The steering operates, but requires excessive effort, like something mechanical is simply in a bind somewhere.
A better, more detailed description of the condition/symptom can go a long way toward solving your problem.

 

[whitetiger]

Check the suction hose for cracks or splits. Its very common and results in sucking air and no hydraulics.

 

[1970cs]

You are going to have to pressure test the cylinder side of the system to see if it's getting full pressure. I would speculate morning sickness like the GM front drive A body power steering units had. No steering till you gave a few inputs and then they would steer. The only problem is with testing is the window for testing for good results would be small according to what you are telling us.

I would highly doubt an air leak, because the whole system would be dead as mentioned or the entire system would cavitate or chatter whenever you cycle a function.

 

[Who is John Galt]

The term "no power steering" is key here. That can be/mean a number of different things. The steering wheel doesn't turn when usual effort is applied, as in low oil supply from steering pump. The wheel turns easily with no attempt at actually moving the tires, as with a steering cylinder bypassing internally. The steering operates, but requires excessive effort, like something mechanical is simply in a bind somewhere.
A better, more detailed description of the condition/symptom can go a long way toward solving your problem.

steering operates but with excessive effort, no binding, just manual steering effort. With tractor not moving, i.e.: at rest, normally power steering allows wheel to turn easily, like in your car or truck. When this problem occurs, the wheels will not turn until I start the tractor moving in forward or reverse. After that, things seem to return to normal. I have tot tried to "Force" the wheels to turn when this condition occurs (while at rest) . . . make sense?

 

[Who is John Galt]

You are going to have to pressure test the cylinder side of the system to see if it's getting full pressure. I would speculate morning sickness like the GM front drive A body power steering units had. No steering till you gave a few inputs and then they would steer. The only problem is with testing is the window for testing for good results would be small according to what you are telling us.

I would highly doubt an air leak, because the whole system would be dead as mentioned or the entire system would cavitate or chatter whenever you cycle a function.

1970cs . . this problem (when it occurs) sounds just as you described . . .