MF 265 Steering Issue

[rainman4820]

I have a confounding issue with power steering.

I had a considerable loss of power steering and was low on fluid so added about a pint. This happened again and again or a few days so I assumed another leak. (Same thing happened 2 years ago and I had the seals in the steering cylinder replaced and all was good)

Yesterday I filled with fluid and after 30 minutes of use, steering became difficult. I checked fluid and it was full. In addition to checking for leaks, is there a way to test the pump? What else should I be checking for?

 

[rainman4820]

Anyone have experience with power steering issues?

 

[Jim.ME]

Things like pressure testing the pump and checking adjustments are starting points. Have you done the tests and checks in the steering section of your MF 265 service manual (MF publication # 1448768M_? Do those things, including the pressure test in the manual, as a starting point then come back with results.

 

[miangus]

I assume its a Perkins engine. The power steering pump used with Perkins on my MF 65 can leak into the crankcase at the front seal. Check your crank case oil level. The pump is easy to change, but a bit pricey. I have never tried changing the front seal on the pump. If you need to use the tractor I have run 15-40 Rotella in the pump. If it has the hydrostat steering, I have no knowledge on how it works.

 

[rainman4820]

Thank you for the responses - as an update, I operate the tractor daily as I use it extensively on our farm. The power steering issue continues to be erratic. Steering becomes difficult, I check and the reservoir is low and I add fluid and then 30 minutes later steering becomes difficult and then I stop and fluid may be low or it may be almost full and steering still difficult. This 265 is a perkins diesel and the power steering pump is right side mounted. I do have a copy of the MF265 service manual, however, I don't have the Nuday tool kit ND 112MF nor the D31 adapter recommended to perform the pressure tests.

Will just any 2000 psi gauge and a collection of proper fittings work to test the pump? Does anyone have specs on what fittings are needed to accompany the gauge to perform the test?

Does using 15-40 Rotella essentially slow the leak?

I just replaced the engine oil and didn't notice a significantly higher level of oil. I have never taken the pump off nor replaced the steering pump filter but will pull the pump cover to inspect the seal that goes into the crankcase, replace the filter and generally clean it out.

Anything else I need to consider, especially while pulling the power steering pump cover?

 

[Jim.ME]

Thank you for the responses - as an update, I operate the tractor daily as I use it extensively on our farm. The power steering issue continues to be erratic. Steering becomes difficult, I check and the reservoir is low and I add fluid and then 30 minutes later steering becomes difficult and then I stop and fluid may be low or it may be almost full and steering still difficult. This 265 is a perkins diesel and the power steering pump is right side mounted. I do have a copy of the MF265 service manual, however, I don't have the Nuday tool kit ND 112MF nor the D31 adapter recommended to perform the pressure tests.

Will just any 2000 psi gauge and a collection of proper fittings work to test the pump? Does anyone have specs on what fittings are needed to accompany the gauge to perform the test?

Does using 15-40 Rotella essentially slow the leak?

I just replaced the engine oil and didn't notice a significantly higher level of oil. I have never taken the pump off nor replaced the steering pump filter but will pull the pump cover to inspect the seal that goes into the crankcase, replace the filter and generally clean it out.

Anything else I need to consider, especially while pulling the power steering pump cover?

A gauge and the correct fittings will work. I can't tell you the fittings needed off hand and i don't know that they are listed anywhere. The Nuday kit may have fittings in it for other applications.

if you are continually adding oil it has to be going into the engine or showing as a leak, hard to believe it is evaporating without a trace.

 

[damn1981]

#6 jic tee fitting on steering line to cylinder 3000 psi gauge with hose
Dead head steering. Will give you pressure
Pump just has a screen in it
Never used anything but atf all the years I worked on em

 

[rainman4820]

Thank you for the info, I will grab a #6 JIC fitting and gauge and give it a try.