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Rich from New York has sent in a question about his MF202. The hydraulic pump isn’t outputting any pressure. Rich has just bought the Hydraulics DVD and while it is in transit accross to The States he’s asked this question…

I have an MF 202 and Hydraulics do not work.

If I remove the standpipe cover oil flows out of the stand pipe but at no pressure what so ever (any position of the controls).Can you give me any hints to isolate the problem. Can I remove the side access cover and manually move the control lever ? Which way to rasie the lift ? How can I see if oil is blowing out of the pump releif valve. How can I check to control valves ?

Thanks
Rich
NY USA

Hi Rich,

You can remove the right hand side cover and take a look what is happening (DON’T PUT YOUR HANDS INSIDE WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING), you can control the pump with the quadrant levers when you do this (for safety) and make sure the levers are moving the linkage and control valve. On occasions it is possible to see an obvious leak, usually just an o’ring on the stand pipe but I have seen a split stand pipe before as well.

You say there is no pressure coming from the top of the stand pipe so that starts to narrow down the search for the problem. If the control linkages are operating the control valve OK then it could be the control valve which is worn (these are a very, very precision fit in the housing and must be near perfect otherwise oil will leak past it).

Or, presuming nothing is physically broken on the pump such as a yoke, then the pistons and cylinders could be badly worn and producing no pressure. Or the relief valve stuck open/broken (quite possible if you have a distinct lack of oil volume and pressure). Or last (but not least) there could be a problem with one or more of the valves. Oh, also there is the filter to consider, but unlikely to be causing those symptoms I think.

If the problem isn’t obvious from looking through the side cover then don’t worry. Just remove the top cover and pump as by instructions on the DVD and fully strip the pump. Inspect all springs, valve seats, pistons, cylinders, etc. Look for scores and grooves, check all o’rings. Take your time and inspect the components with a careful and critical eye. The fault will probably be quite obvious. A full pump refurbishment kit is not all that expensive, and probably worth fitting while you are in there if there is some general wear accross all the components of the pump.

Good luck

Steve + Ian