Are you having trouble with your Ford 8N hydraulics? Here are some suggestions to get you started fixing your tractor. While these tips are specifically for the Ford 8N, many other models of antique tractors will show similar symptoms when their hydraulics need attention.
If the hydraulics drift down, that usually means the relief valve is squeaking by. This is easy to check – just remove the side door and watch the oil move. If the oil is leaking out of the piston top, the seal or o-ring could be damaged. While the 8N piston originally came with steel rings, many have been upgraded with a Jubilee style o-ring.
If the hydraulics don’t go up at all, it’s likely that the ball socket is the problem (worn out or jumped out of place).
If the hydraulics either go all the way up or all the way down (with no control in the middle), the problem is likely with your pivot pins. They simply wear out and need to be replaced.
If it seems like your hydraulics just aren’t doing anything, be sure to check that the PTO lever is engaged and then try.
A short tutorial of hydraulic repair on a Ford 8N is available here.
Of course, once you diagnose the problem you still need to fix it! Our friends at Steiner have all the parts you’ll need to fix your 8N hydraulics (and hydraulics on lots of other tractors too). Just give them a ring to get started. Call 1-888-567-0015
Renton says
Hi find your videos very informative,top notch keep up the good work
Alex Carr says
Pivot pins was mentioned. Where are they and what do they look like?
Suzette Thomas says
It goes in the lower front pivot bolster and looks like this. https://www.steinertractor.com/IHS097-bolster-pivot-pin
jim says
a pin that is 1.25″in dia
jim says
no matter where i move the quad lever to it goes all way to top
Bruce Corman says
brucer72g@yahoo.com
Perry Loesch says
Happy New Year!
I have an older Ford 8 N. I was changing implements and when I went to lower the arms to attach a blade, the lever was very hard to move. Arms will not go down. Any suggestions?
Thank-you!
Samantha Rainwater says
I have a leak in my oil tube (9n567). I can’t seem to find if this is one solid tube? And does it come out from the top or bottom??
Bob schutte says
The only way arms go up is to hold draft control lever down
Jim James says
I have the same problem. Did you ever solve it?
LeRoy Statton says
I have watched you rebuild video twice and find it would be a great help if I needed to rebuild. However my problem on my ’51 8n is the lift arms go all the way up and won’t go down unless I let it set for several days. I have pulled the pump and cleaned the pump cavity. Is my problem in the relief valve?
Robert Edgemon says
LeRoy, my 1951 8n had not been started for 4 years. After starting the lift arms go all the way up and will not come down. Same trouble as you were having. Did you find a way to fix this. Thanks, Bob
Dustin says
Hi I’ve been watching your videos and my hydraulics will go up but when I kill the engine they drift down. I went ahead and replaced the piston and rings with out checking to see if that was the main issue any tips on troubleshooting
Anthony P Bertin says
I have a 1948 8N Ford tractor with a 7 foot sickle bar for doing the ditches. Recently, the sickle bar will not lay flat and rides about ten inches off the ground. Any suggestions?