Hi All, New Guy...

Hello fellow Tractor Enthusiasts!! Just this past summer I became the newest owner of a 1958 International 350U with the common Wagner front end loader and rear hydraulics. I had been looking for a IH Tractor for some time, I had owned a IH Scout before that and was sucked into a love for all things IH...

I found my machine on a local craigslist, for free no less, the PO had been using the loader when he broke a spindle. Instead of fixing it, he just let it sit for 2 years or so, then just gave up completely and offered it for free if I could move it. So I bolted up a new spindle, checked/freshened fluids, cleaned the points and drove it onto the trailer and dragged it home. Now that its here I (of course) have a ton of questions, most of which I have been able to find via the search but have hit a wall when it comes to working on my loader.

The problem I am having is a lack of pressure, all cylinders seem to move very slow, if at all. I know I have some bad fluid, when checked it is very milky and tan in color, so I assume that is the root cause, but I am unsure on the proper procedure to flush the existing fluid out while filling with new. If anyone can help, that would be much appreciated. I have a lot in store for this awesome tractor, and hope to have it running and driving in time for a local vintage tractor parade and show in June...

Why don't you buy an Owners Manual and follow the directins ?????????????????????

Thats a good way to run off a newbe.Manuals are ok but they dont tell everthing.it takes as much effort to be nice as it does good

jimmy

THe best way I know to do it is to drain the reservoir (small flush plug under the valve assembly) Putting a short pipe in the hole helps direct the drainings into a pan. (messy).
Then refill the reservoir. Next remove a pressure hose from a cylinder and put it into a bucket. Start the tractor and pump fluid out that hose. Stop after about 3 quarts, and refill the reservoir. Continue pumping till it is clear (or 3 quarts) add to full. Go to the next pressure hose and do the same thing This pushes out 90% of the contaminated oil, and never allows the pump to be dry and loose prime.
Jim

Typoed mu Own Name!!! Jim

Thank you so much Jim, that is exactly what I was looking for!!

And I do have the original owners manual and original service manual for the tractor, but it's only for the tractor, I also have the I&T Shop manual, which also only pertains to the tractor, and I have the online manual from Wagner from the 1950's, but it doesn't go into depth on a fluid flush.

I didn't know there was a manual for the Wagner/Dearborn family of loaders or else I would buy it too...

YOU will see a plate on the fill side of the reservoir with four screws, this is the suction screen that allows fluid to the pump. They are good about getting clogged as it is a fine brass wire mesh. I would purchase the gasket from IH, drain the reservoir as indicated above, remove & clean the screen with kerosene or diesel fuel, be very gentle, I use a very soft bristled paint brush, and dry with regulated compressed air cut down to 30 psi.
Once removed a bit of light inside the reservoir can also indicate if any sludge build up has occurred. Hydraulic oil needs to be as clean as possible. Refill & flush all lines with hy-trans fluid or equivalent.
There are several threads here as to what fluid works for hy-trans & what doesn't.
Once this has been accomplished hopefully your pump will be fine, replacements are pricey, and a knowlegeable machinist is necessary to bring one back into original specs, but as with anything IH, nothing is impossible.
Welcome to an excellent forum, and congrats on your "new" tractor.

When you do this flushing, Put the hose in a bucket
and start the tractor with the hydraulic valve to
the open hose already turned on so none is
circulated beck into the reservoir. When stopping
the 3 quart limit, shut the tractor off, don't shut
the valve off first. again preventing mixing of
fluids. If a cylinder is extended, push it
manually to the other end bleeding its contents into
a pan. There will be some trapped residual old oil,
but not much. Jim

Don't be so grumpy.

Thank you all for your help and input, I'm going to try to get it flushed sometime this week and will report back once it's working again.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that the pump isn't the culprit...I guess I will find out soon enough!