LA402 control valve leak also

[Wildlife]

I'm new to this forum & would appreciate advice from you mechanically inclined folks.

My 2003 B2910's LA402 has developed a leak at the control valve - seemingly coming from the port that controls the dump function. In very cold weather (last month here in NH) the dump function had been very slow to work until hydr. fluid (HF) warmed up, so I figured something was constrained in valve. While it felt like the linkage wouldn't push enough to right initially, now with the leak I suspect it was in the valve all along. I can still use the FEL, but HF drips out the valve area when in use. Oddly, HF still seeps out a bit after I've shut it down & wiped it off, but then it stops.

I've viewed other related threads, but am not certain that the recommended cleanings/rebuilds are appropriate in my case. I'm not a mechanic, but am reasonable adept with tools/instructions.

Anyone care to weigh in & help a damsel in distress?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

A picture of exactly where it's leaking would help.
If it's leaking on a fitting have you tried to tighten the fitting?

Also there is three different valves available for that model so a picture would help there too.

 

[mickeyd]

Welcome to the site from Alabama. Glad we don't have your cold weather down here. It got down to 14F and the schools started 3 hours late.

 

[Wildlife]

I've attached (I hope) a photo of the control valve. I was able to find an online parts manual for the LA402, and based on my serial number (>50001) & matching the diagrams, I have the "4 position valve type". The lower red cap ring around the port and its trailing red cap become wet with HF and (I believe) this is the line that controls "dump". My equipment buddy isn't so sure about the leak source when he saw that the big black cap below this had HF on it (I think it is just HF from above)

My equipment buddy also pulled the quick-connect hose off this port when not running the FEL but with motor running and a small amount of HF dribbled out after we wiped it off. That said, my uneducated guess is that the problem isn't the hose, since dump function was a problem in well-below freezing weather before HF started to come out. I'd rather not replace the hose if it's an internal problem with the valve.

Your thoughts?