4020 steering valve leaks

[Q-15]

I realize this is an old subject, bit it is still quite relevant from what I hear.

I am about to take ownership of a 1969 Deere 4020 from a very close relative in Indianola, Iowa, it has about 5000 hours on it, really nice condition, except for the steering valve.
The long time owner has had the massive steering valve leak repaired THREE TIMES now from the dealership in that area, each time it came back and leaked, again.

I tried to get him to get it repaired by someone with a brain, but I guess now it's up to me. It is taking everything I can muster not to name the dealership here, but in fairness to anyone who might need to take their equipment there for service, I should.

My question, for now, is where to take the steering valve to have it properly repaired in Iowa, or should I just take it out and replace it with a rebuilt unit, or do it myself. Obviously the local dealership has no clue how to do it properly, otherwise I would not be writing here, the rebuild work on the bench is just nuts and bolts, the major part is obviously the removal and re-install, just looking for some help finding a reliable source to do the bench work.

Thanks

 

[David G]

I live in Iowa, and would send one to Tim S.

 

[tim s]

I would be glad to rebuild it and bench test here, I do a lot of them,,
[email protected]

 

[D-]

The rebuild work is more than just nuts and bolts.
No offense but you would not be able to rebuild it
yourself.
Sometimes the plate would crack at an oil hole.
Perhaps they are not catching that? Then again that
might have been a problem on earlier tractors only.
If Tim wants to do it send it to him. The ability to
bench test it would keep you from having to remove it
again.

 

[tim s]

I have had a few come in that will not set right,,and need to swap out the center housing,,if the tractor drops in a tile blow out, or hits a stump, it will send a shock pressure back into the valve and give it an internal crack,and yes the bench test helps a lot.

 

[Q-15]

(quoted from post at 09:14:17 03/23/20) I have had a few come in that will not set right,,and need to swap out the center housing,,if the tractor drops in a tile blow out, or hits a stump, it will send a shock pressure back into the valve and give it an internal crack,and yes the bench test helps a lot.

I've built hundreds of race engines over the years, doubt I'd have a problem with it with some guidance. but a test bench and many years of experience would make all the difference, I have no problem stepping up to pay the man who has what it takes.

The tractor has done nothing but pull a 7' mower for years and some minor work with the loader, the problem is no doubt what you have indicated, something is being overlooked, at great cost to the owner.

When it arrives in my shop I will remove the assembly, crate it, and ship it off to Ohio.

Thanks for your advice

 

[tim s]

I'm sure you could deal with it,, but they can be Ornery.. I will be glad to do it for you.

 

[IowaJohn]

I've had TimS do one. It's been a few
years no problems. Shipping is kinda'
spendy but if you want it done right, take
a 5 gallon bucket, fashion the lid with
some pvc pipe to protect it and send it
Tim's way. He's also done a couple of sets
of scvs and no leaks.