Massey Ferguson 255 Aux hydr. not working

[SMatt]

Looking at buying a MF 255 from aging uncle at very decent price. The auxilary pump is either not working, or won't engage. The lever in photo 1 will only move about an inch, and doesn't engage anything. This is my first tractor purchase, and I know nothing about this MF. My uncle said he never used this- lift? I guess it's only a stupid question if I don't ask, and buy it anyway. Thanks in advance for any help! Don't know where the photo went...




 

[Dieseltech]

Sounds like the auxilary valve is stuck from lack of use, may be able to free up if soaked with penetrating oil, cross your fingers!
 

[SMatt]

Where exactly is the aux. valve located, and how would I get to it? All I know that the pump is internal, and that's about it.
 

[Dieseltech]

Your # 2 picture is the aux valve.
 

[SMatt]

Thank you! I didn't know if it was the housing for the valve, some type of cover or what. Cleaned the rod off where it goes into valve, and liberally sprayed around with penetrating oil. Thought I'd give it time to work before checking it. It'd be awesome if that's what it was. Just in case, I have been able to figure out how to get to the valve, and how to check to see if the pump is actually pumping any oil. Am going to try that here in a bit and see what happens if it still won't engage.
 

[SMatt]

After letting the penetrating oil sit for awhile, I tried to work the lever again, but saw no change. It still seems seized up. I then loosened the high pressure side of the line at the cover plate on left of tractor. I pulled the kill switch, and tried to turn tractor over. (Local dealer said to try this.)This made the pump spin enough to send out some oil, letting me know it is working. I also checked the hoses at rear of tractor with a screwdriver. The bottom hookup just made a whining noise, but no pressure. The top hookup had plenty of pressure, spit fluid out a good 10 ft. So, I guess the next step would be to remove the seat and the cover plate to check the valve itself? My question earlier as to the part labeled # 2 in the photo... this is the valve? Or the part that the valve is housed in? If I wanted to replace that whole assembly up the the rod, I'm only looking for the "valve"?
 

[MF#1]

About the only way to check is to put a gauge on the Aux valve or plug up an implement to see if it works. The lever is two position so if you move the lever forward one valve is energized, move it back and the other one works. Let the juice set a while, add more, try to move it but not too much pressure. It's probably just seized up from no use. BTW it has a "cut-off" feature that will kick the lever to 'neutral' when you reach the end of the cylider movement, as when using a wheel type harrow, BTDT too many times.