[shadetree]

A year or so ago I bought a 318 (1983) without a motor. Last week I ordered a SEW Vanguard 23HP. Came on a FedEx 18 wheeler. Used my cheep HF motor hoist to get it to the ground. Bolted right in. Had to use a hammer on the last bolt. Wires hooked up fine. Used the single terminal included in kit for the PTO. The cable in the kit to control speed was too long and the handle did not fit the studs on the dash. Cut cable to length and attached to the old handle. Put in gas and oil - started and drove to mower deck - power steering and hydro worked fine. Installed using the belt supplied in kit. Flipped on PTO switch and grass flew out the shoot. Pulled the outside lift lever and mower stayed on ground. Sprayed the levers and inside parts hit with a hammer. The inside lever is still stuck. The outside moves with just a little resistance. Pulled back the lever and the mower came up. Pushed forward and the mower stayed up. Just pass center and it makes a noise like when pulled back. Pushing more and it snaps and stays (I guess this is the float?) But the mower stays up. I loosened the hoses from both ends of the cylinder and both dripped fluid.

What should I do now?

 

[shadetree]

Anyone know the proper way to remove the valve?
Are any special wrenches needed? Is access from the top, bottom, or both? What else has to be removed?

I think I saw a post on this once but darn if I have been able to find it.

 

[charms]

Have you checked to see if the hydraulic cylinder is moving when the lever is moved? Maybe the mower is hanging up somehow even if the hydraulics work. The way you describe the movement of the outside lever it sounds like it should work.

 

[lisle]

Check the lift stop too . If that is set to not let the deck go down, that could be your problem. Screw it in a little to see if that helps.

 

[shadetree]

Thanks, Not having any idea of how to check this out I undid both hoses from the cylinder. Ran engine and fluid came out of both hoses. Moved the lever and got a rush of fluid. Don't believe it stopped with the lever in either position. I was making such a mess I'm not sure about anything.

Pushed the piston half way into the cylinder. Reattached the hoses, started the engine, pushed the lever forward (to lower mower) the piston extended raising the mower. Pulled the lever and the piston continued to extend until the mower was all the way up.

I have the lift stop somewhere in the middle, it has been all the way both ways.

Thank you