1550 PS problems

[Jim Meade]

1550D with tricycle gear is hard and slow steering. I assume there is no power assist. I rake and do other work with it, but it's a challenge when wanting to back up or turn quickly.
I put a gauge on the port on the priority valve. When turning the steering wheel to the right the gauge reads 1200 lbs. When turning to the left, it reads 800 lbs.
I have a very little seepage at the top of the hydramotor.
It doesn't help to lift the front end off the ground and try to steer. No change.
Do I need to change the hydramoter, and where can one find one and what will it cost?

 

[Jim Meade]

I think the S/N is 166 182 504, which I think is a 1965. Tractor has hydraulic pump & 3 point.
Per the SN, it should be a directional valve Hydramotor. It may be the max working pressure should be 1200 psi for the Hydramotor.

 

[Anonymous-0]

These pressure readings, are they at the end of travel or when you just turn the steering wheels?

 

[Jim Meade]

Tractor checked filled with hydraulic fluid. Ran for 20 minutes to warm up.
Gauge on remote external valve shows 1600 psi at 540 pto speed, about 1200 at idle.
Gauge on priority valve shoes 1100-1200 psi momentarily at the end of wheel turn travel in both directions at working rpm. Slightly under 1000 at speed above idle.
No difference when front wheels lifted clear of ground.
It may or may not be a function of the power steering putting enough pressure on the power steering cylinder - it may be a function of the speed, or how fast, the front wheels respond to turning the steering wheel. I always feel like the power steering is lagging my inputs so I'm always pushing it to turn faster than it does.

 

[Larry from MD]

Well all those numbers are low.Could be several things a week pump, relief valve not holding,too much oil flowing through the steering.If the pump is good you should be able to make the relief valve snap when you pull the remote levers.

 

[Jim Meade]

I'm going to put some shims in and try to get the pump up to at least 2000 and preferably 2100 or more psi.
Still, my hunch is the numbers are close enough that it ought to work.
But, before I spend any money on the PS unit, I'm going to address the pump specifications, as you suggest.