Farmall 400 P.S.

[Super H Mike]

Hey guys,I just picked up a real nice 400 with what looks like factory Behlen p.s.,Schwartz wide front. The steering assist seems weak compared to my SM with add on Behlen system. The hydralic output to the remote hook ups is very good. Any advice on how to go about diagnosing the issue?

 

[Hayfarmer]

Hey guys,I just picked up a real nice 400 with what looks like factory Behlen p.s.,Schwartz wide front. The steering assist seems weak compared to my SM with add on Behlen system. The hydralic output to the remote hook ups is very good. Any advice on how to go about diagnosing the issue?

Is the power steering unit run off of a separate pump or a priority valve from the tractor pump? If run off the tractor pump through priority valve the valve may be adjustable for flow to steering with remainder to the rest. I have a SMTA with Char Lynn ps running off of priority valve and wish it had it's own pump.

 

[Super H Mike]

Is the power steering unit run off of a separate pump or a priority valve from the tractor pump? If run off the tractor pump through priority valve the valve may be adjustable for flow to steering with remainder to the rest. I have a SMTA with Char Lynn ps running off of priority valve and wish it had it's own pump.

Thanks,yes it comes from the tractor main pump by the distribtor,being the remotes work normally the pump is working good.

 

[D Slater]

Hey guys,I just picked up a real nice 400 with what looks like factory Behlen p.s.,Schwartz wide front. The steering assist seems weak compared to my SM with add on Behlen system. The hydralic output to the remote hook ups is very good. Any advice on how to go about diagnosing the issue?

When you pull one of the control valves that's dead headed does the steering turn pretty good. If so the priority valve block with relief and safety valve close to fuel tank is probably the problem. Most times a piston to bore in the block get worn. Or safety valve for power steering could bypass pressure if failing. Everything depends on enough pump pressure and flow though.

 

[Super H Mike]

When you pull one of the control valves that's dead headed does the steering turn pretty good. If so the priority valve block with relief and safety valve close to fuel tank is probably the problem. Most times a piston to bore in the block get worn. Or safety valve for power steering could bypass pressure if failing. Everything depends on enough pump pressure and flow though.

Thank you, Pulling any lever has no real effect on it,there is a slight blip in the wheel but thats it,does not actually improve assist at all.

 

[buzzinduzzin]

A good hydraulics man once told me : start with a pressure reading

 

[Super H Mike]

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A good hydraulics man once told me : start with a pressure reading

I wonder what would be the normal reading?

 

[caterpillar guy]

Remotes about 1000-1500 steering probably in the 800-1200 pressure. Really need a flow rater to diagnos so you know that under pressure you are getting the volume along with the pressure. It is possible to get flow without the pressure and sometimes even pressure just not enough flow from it. That will tell you if the pump is shot or not.

 

[Super H Mike]

Remotes about 1000-1500 steering probably in the 800-1200 pressure. Really need a flow rater to diagnos so you know that under pressure you are getting the volume along with the pressure. It is possible to get flow without the pressure and sometimes even pressure just not enough flow from it. That will tell you if the pump is shot or not.

I am wondering if I can temporarily put pressure and return directly to the steering motor just to test it,like from one of the remotes,or even another tractor,just to confirm it works correctly. I am sure my pump is ok because it lifts my heavy haybine with ease.