[cjet69]

I put a 54 blade on the 318 for the first time to clear some slush off the driveway. I couldn't get the float to work so I was constantly lifting and dropping the blade just to get it done. It felt like the lever wasn't getting full travel and was quite stiff.

Yesterday I sprayed down the hydraulic control valve and levers with some ATF/Acetone mix and let it sit overnight. today I went out and worked the inner lever back an forth and finally got full travel so the float function works now. When I get time I plan on pulling the levers apart to clean out any remaining rust. One question I have is should the detent hold the lever in the full forward position?

 

[Ss313]

Yes. When you push the lever to the float position it should stay there until you pull back on it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cjet69]

Yes. When you push the lever to the float position it should stay there until you pull back on it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks, Ss313. This is the first implement I've had on the 318 so I just wanted to be sure.

 

[inspectorudy]

The resistance you felt in the lever came from within the valve and most likely not in the levers. They are simple steel pins in sloppy holes with not much room for any build up of crud. Inside the valve, if it has not been used much, the "O" rings and the ball/detent are where the resistance comes from. In your case just using it frequently will free it up.

 

[cjet69]

The resistance you felt in the lever came from within the valve and most likely not in the levers. They are simple steel pins in sloppy holes with not much room for any build up of crud. Inside the valve, if it has not been used much, the "O" rings and the ball/detent are where the resistance comes from. In your case just using it frequently will free it up.

Thanks, inspectorudy. I'll just run it for awhile and see if it loosens up.

 

[cjet69]

I walked by the 318 today and tried the hydraulic levers. They are working good now. Both levers return to center on their own(unless in float) where before I had to push them back to center.