Recently, the large hydraulic cylinder on the left side of the loader arm started leaking on my 706. I hadn't used it for a while and it leaked a fair amount.

I added a gallon and a half of hydraulic fluid and got the oil level to the middle of the operating range on the dipstick. I didn't have any more oil to add at the time.

I started the 706 and pulled forward, but I had no steering and couldn't turn left or right. The wheel spins and spins and there is no limit or stop. Before, it would turn one way or the other, but had a stopping point.

I removed the first section of the hood and observed that the linkage does not turn or budge when the wheel is turned.

I also noticed that when I raise or lower the bucket, there is a rattling noise from beneath the seat which I believe is the hydraulic pump.

I did not check the PTO to see if it works. It did the last time I used it about two months ago, but I will check it again when I try to fix the problem.

I plan to remove the 5/8" bolt from the MCV pump and purge any air from the system in case that's the problem.

I was hoping there would be an easy fix like a shear pin or stop screw on the steering wheel that is keeping it from engaging, but I didn't see one and don't know if such a thing exists.

What else should I check or look at?

Thanks in advance....

Loss of prime in the MCV is probable. There are suction side possible leaks that allow this to happen. The solution is to over fill the reservoir by about five gallons. I would fix the leak, then attand to filling it as above. Turn the steering to the left for a considerable time (IIRC) to assist in gaining prime, and steering. Jim

Ok, I will try to overfill it then. I checked the PTO and it works. I tried to loosen the 5/8" plug in the back side of the MCV, but it must not have been loosened since the tractor was made in 1968. I completely stripped the head with a socket wrench. I tried vise grips and that only made things worse. That plug never budged and it's completely round now.

Are there any other plugs on the MCV I can loosen to assist in bleeding off the air?

I turned the wheel to the left continuously, but it didn't help.

Still no steering.

Is overfilling the reservoir the only option I have left?

Thanks in advance......

I called the dealership and they told me to run the tractor with the 1/2" plug removed from the front of the MCV. I did, but no oil came out of the MCV when I ran the tractor for almost 10 minutes.

What does that indicate?

The 5/8 and the 1/2 plugs go to the same oil passage so it doesn't make much difference which one you remove.

With the tractor idling and the plug removed, try adding some air pressure to the transmission fill port. That will force the oil through the MCV pump to prime it. It doesn't take much pressure. just wrap a rag around an air nozzle and that will sell good enough to do the job.

Owen, I did the air pressure trick and it worked like a charm! I've got steering and I'm back in business. Thank you so much for your help!!!