Howey Matt
Well-Known Member
Hi all,
I'm starting a new thread for this issue. The original issue resulted in me removing the main control valve, cleaning it up, and installing new seals: https://www.heavyequipmentforums.co...one-side-bogging-down-engine-cat-304cr.95940/
It's a 2004 Cat 304cr (NAD00987).
Now that everything is back together, I can't seem to get the air out of the hydraulic system. All of the controls are weak. The blade and the boom do not have enough power to lift the machine. It'll swing alright to the left, but will barely turn to the right.
From what I've read, the air is supposed to automatically bleed back into the tank. I've tried cracking the plug on the top of the pump and oil comes out. I can't find anything else in the service manual that addresses this issue.
There is a section of the service manual that mentions raising the boom, shutting the engine off, and lowering the boom with the engine off to pressurize the system. I followed the instructions but my hydraulics do not function unless the engine is running.
In past situations like this on other machines, I've been able to slowly move the cylinders in and out, and eventually, it clears up. I'm not sure why this machine is so stubborn. Should I start cracking some hoses near the cylinders to see if I can get the air out?
I'm starting a new thread for this issue. The original issue resulted in me removing the main control valve, cleaning it up, and installing new seals: https://www.heavyequipmentforums.co...one-side-bogging-down-engine-cat-304cr.95940/
It's a 2004 Cat 304cr (NAD00987).
Now that everything is back together, I can't seem to get the air out of the hydraulic system. All of the controls are weak. The blade and the boom do not have enough power to lift the machine. It'll swing alright to the left, but will barely turn to the right.
From what I've read, the air is supposed to automatically bleed back into the tank. I've tried cracking the plug on the top of the pump and oil comes out. I can't find anything else in the service manual that addresses this issue.
There is a section of the service manual that mentions raising the boom, shutting the engine off, and lowering the boom with the engine off to pressurize the system. I followed the instructions but my hydraulics do not function unless the engine is running.
In past situations like this on other machines, I've been able to slowly move the cylinders in and out, and eventually, it clears up. I'm not sure why this machine is so stubborn. Should I start cracking some hoses near the cylinders to see if I can get the air out?