Hydro Lift Valve Leak - 1641

[Clyde67]

Hi folks, this is my first time posting on here as it recently came as a recommendation from a great contributor to another forum, so thanks in advance for your help!

So, I recently bought a 1641 that has some issues. The first major issue I've run into was a hydro fluid leak. I've identified it at the Hydro Lift Valve (the deck lift lever). It's coming from where the inlet is to the valve (see #11 in the image below). I actually have an entire rebuild kit for the valve, but since I narrowed it down to that one line I figured I'd try just replacing the o-rings in all 4 lines.

Tonight I replaced all of the o-rings and it's still leaking out of the inlet line. My question is this; Do I need to pursue the rebuild of the entire valve, or is that not the issue? It seems to me that there is an issue somewhere else. Where the inlet and outlet tubes connect into the valve you can see right through from one side to the other, so I can't imagine the valve is causing too much pressure in the lines. However, is it possible there is a blockage somewhere further down the line causing the leak?

One thing to note is that the fluid coming out is a bit mixed in color, appearing white and possibly foamy on the ground.

[Sam Mac]

Clyde
I don’t think it is a pressure or blockage issue. Take a good look at the sealing surfaces and also make sure the clamp (part#6) is not upside down or that it is not bent. You may have a crack in the line also.

Good to see you made it over here.

[Clyde67]

Thanks Sam!

I reinspected everything just now. No cracks, no bent or upside down clamp... I'm at a loss. I can't logically think of any other reasons.

[Sam Mac]

Can you get some pics of the leak? Wondering if you nicked the O-ring? It's got to be something simple. I'd pull the valve and inspect everything with a magnifying glass. Look for a crack at the tube ends. Compare the one that leaks to the ones that don't leak.

[Clyde67]

Tried to get pictures. It seems impossible. My camera just won't do it. But after watching it again while trying to take pictures it seems to be squirting out pretty focused and hard so I'm thinking there may be a pinhole in the line just on the outside of the flange somehow.

Am I going to have to order the line from cub if this turns out to be it? Or is there something I can use similar brake line and a bender? This line is solid all the way back. No rubber.

[Clyde67]

How about the possibility of the water in the system causing the leak? Blowing by the seal?

Since I took it apart a little further and cleaned it up some more I noticed some gasket sealer on almost every opening of the rear/trans. I'm thinking that might be where the water is coming from.

[Sam Mac]

I'm afraid you may need to get a new or good used line. I think they have a special end on them. Take the line off and inspect if with a magnifying glass to see if it has a crack in it at the flare or if maybe it’s worn through. It may be possible to get it welded or brazed.

Still think if it has water in the oil it's from condesation that has accumulated over who knows how long since it was changed last. Get some oil and a NAPA 1410 or Wix 51410 oil filter for it.

[Clyde67]

Sam,

I have enough fluid an filters to flush out and refill/replace for a second pass. I was thinking about draining the fluid out once and refilling with a new filter to see if that helps this issue. The fluid has to be thinker. Still don't know if that will make a difference.

[ajgross]

If you are using Hytran then you don't have a water issue. Hytran encapsulates water and turns it into a jelly like substance that sinks to the bottom of your rearend. no other fluid does that and that's why we recommend Hytran over other oils that meet Hytran specs.

AJ

[ajgross]

I would get in contact with Patton Acres or Ray's IH Parts and get a used replacement line.

AJ