53 Jubilee 3 point issues

[Blackriver]

Hello all, I posted over in the Ford forum, I thought maybe this area would be better suited to the issues I'm having. My 53 Jubilee sat over the winter in my son in laws shop unused except for being started occasionally. This spring once I got it out to put it to work the 3 point hitch was slow to respond. Now it's got to the point where if I'm in position control the lift arms raise all the way up and won't go down until I shut off the tractor. In draft control the 3 point will only lift if I push down on the position/draft lever under the seat. Fluid level is ok and I bled all air out of the pump. I'm a newb of course, I have the I & T manual and I understand I need to take the inspection plate off and have a look inside. Anything having to do with the lift cover seems a daunting task to me. Has anyone else had the same symptoms with your tractor?

 

[Jim L WA]

Well, I see no one else chimed in on this, so I'll give it a try. No, my NAA hydraulics are working OK for a 64 year old. From what you are describing, it sounds like the control valve and or unloading valves are sticking. Here is what I would do. Drain all the fluid out, re-fill with kerosene and operate the system a bit, then drain that and refill with fresh hydraulic fluid. I've been using NAPA's R&O hydraulic fluid in mine and it seems to be working good. But that's not your only option. If you try this let us know if it helped.