8N hydralics

I pulled the pump two nights ago. When I turned the device that the pto shaft would normally turn, I found a leak in a gasket on the body of the pump. So, at the local Tractor store that specializes in old Fords, I bought a gasket set for the hydraulic system. I cleaned the surfaces really well, and even checked them for flatness. Bolted it all back together and tried it out. It sort of surprised me that the system was fixed saving myself hundreds of dollars. It only took a few hours, too. I'll end up using only 3 gaskets out of the whole kit (I haven't put the inspection cover back on yet), but I'll have the rest of the set for another time.

So the point is, don't be intimidated by it if you have any mechanical ability at all. My pump was clean enough that all I had to do was wipe some settlings off the bottom, if yours is really gunked up, you may have bigger problems. A service manual would definitely be a plus if you don't have one. I did plan to take the tractor to that Ford store if the gasket didn't fix the problem. So far though, they're going to have to wait!

Don't get frustrated. Lemme share the reason I have one of these tractors as opposed to a newer "trouble-free" (if that exists) tractor.

First and foremost is that this is a tractor that I can repair (ANYTHING) with a minimal amount of time, tools, and expense. The simplicity is this tractor is a thing of beauty to me. I wouldn't own one if I DIDN'T have to tinker with it or even do a major repair. It harkens to a time when Made in America meant it was built to last, be cheap to operate, and be repaired by its owner.

Second, I knew parts and info were readily available and cheap.

Third, it is a nice looking tractor with a market where I know I'll never be looking at selling her for less than what I paid. Anything else you can think of that can claim that?

It never occcured to me that there would be a discussion forum such as this for old N tractors. I found it a year ago just looking for some parts on the internet. What a great entertainment forum - whether technical or not about tractors.

"Chigger" does the work I need done, but could be done faster and better by many other tractors, but no tractor is as fun as her.

So try not to be frustrated. tackle that hyd pump problem (you are looking at a 1/2 - 1 day job) and enjoy sharing your experience with us!

Evil Steve

Lot's of stuff in the archives about working on the pump. Check out posts by Zane for technical info and Willy-N for photos and info. There are others with good info too.

hth

Mountainman...CA