350 U progress

TomA in CA · Nov 13, 2009

I have been working on this tractor on and off for 2 years. I think I made some headway. After putting the steering box back together I had not been able to get it to steer. It would steer with the front wheels off the ground with the bucket, but not with weight on them. I have been suspicious of the hydraulics and was thinking of trying to clean the dreaded screen. I thought I might have the lines crossed but no dice there. Yesterday I disconnected the pressure line to the steering valve and stuck it in the fill opening. It ran a good flow of oil. I let it run for quite a while thinking to get any air out of it. When I hooked it up I can get the wheels to steer while on the ground. Now it is time to try and drive it and see if it will steer. I started cleaning up the brake parts and I broke one of the little return springs. I quick search of parts suppliers did not turn up any. Can anyone tell me where to order some online?

Tom

CNKS · Nov 13, 2009

Carter and Gruenewald, www.external_link, CaseIH dealer in WI. It's easier to call them, 866-327-6255. Probably cheaper at OEM tractor parts - www.oemtractorparts.com, 800-283-2122, part# 357116R1. Steiner Tractor parts is another place, and several others.

mkirsch · Nov 13, 2009

I was able to get workable pedal return springs at the local hardware store if that's what you are looking for. They're not original, but they work and they're whole lot less expensive than parts from the IH dealer.

big fred · Nov 13, 2009

those lines from the hydraulic pump can lose prime, and when that happens you lose hydraulic pressure and steering. Best way I found to prime the lines is to blow a little low pressure (not more than 5-10 psi) into the vent hole on top of the reservoir, under the seat. If you decide to clean the screen, keep in mind that the reservoir cover is kind of clumsy to lift, and heavy enough that you'll be well served to use a engine hoist to lift it. the screen extends below the cover, so be careful not to set it on the screen, as you will crush it.

TomA in CA · Nov 13, 2009

Thanks guys. The spring I need is for the actuator. OEM has them. Pretty pricey, $9 for a little bitty spring. I ordered a couple, they had the dust covers too. It is a pain to try to order from the local dealer. I had trouble with their ordering system but it finally went through.

I think my method worked for priming the system, I hope I don't have to get into the case

I think I will try it today brakes or no brakes.

Tom

Rumplestiltskin · Nov 13, 2009

Hi, Tom.

I recently tried to find a pair of those small springs at a reasonable price, and had no luck. My usual online source not only wanted about ten bucks each for them, but also wanted almost another ten to drop them in an envelope! Ten bucks?! They're the size of a grape and can't weigh much more than two ounces. I ended up buying them at a local IH dealer, and I've made a mental note to pick up a handful if I ever find any that are reasonably priced.

Mark W. in MI

CNKS · Nov 13, 2009

That is a good heavy duty spring, I doubt if you will find one for less anywhere. The prices don't have to make sense, the point is you can still buy them.

Rumplestiltskin · Nov 14, 2009

Well said; it's just that I have a natural aversion to bring ripped off that kicks in at a certain price level. My brother, a mechanical engineer, had an even stronger (and unprintable) opinion of the price. Next time I may come up with some substitute springs and see how it goes. Even though they're brake parts, they're really low-risk parts (at worst, a brake may fail to release). If they don't perform well, I won't have lost much.

CNKS · Nov 14, 2009

When I buy a part from CaseIH, that I HAVE to have, and don't ask the price beforehand (a bad idea) I never know if it is going to cost $5 or $100. A rather extreme one was that I bought a used band for my 460 planetary PTO for about $116 including shipping from Wengers. That was after I had sense enough to ask the local CaseIH dealer the cost--$625 or $725 don't remember which. With parts prices nothing surprises me any more. But, most of the aftermarket parts are reasonable. You simply don't get much for 9 or $10 anymore. If I do the hobby, I have to pay the price.

Rumplestiltskin · Nov 14, 2009

I agree. Having bought automotive parts for 40 years or so, I think most tractor parts prices are pretty reasonable.

One thing that makes me smile is when I read about someone who wants to spend almost nothing -- for example, "I want to rewire my tractor, but I don't want to buy any wire."

If I remember correctly, you're a fellow Utility owner. If they were still making Utilities I'll bet we couldn't get a new one for under $50k. That makes most rebuilds look like awfully good deals, even if they run $3k, $4k, $5k. So overall the prices seem O.K. Maybe that's why the "gotchas" like the little springs are so noticeable.

Mark W. in MI

CNKS · Nov 14, 2009

I have a 460 Hi Utility, that's what the PTO band was for.

350 U progress

TomA in CA

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