Lift problem

[Cub49]

My lift will work a few times and then quit. When removing fill plug it has pressure and oil is foamy. Seems to be getting air in system. When trying to bleed air out with plug removed, foamy fluid runs out. There no external leakage, any thoughts on problem

[Don McCombs]

Do you know exactly what fluid is in your system?

[Jim Becker]

Level plug or drain plug?
Has the manifold that connects the pump to the main Touch-Control block been disturbed? (Speculating on a leak at the gasket at the rear of the manifold.)
Did somebody put motor oil in it?

[Cub49]

Level plug, replaced fluid with international compatible hydraulic oil, same thing

[Cub49]

Manifold has not been disturbed

[Don McCombs]

As Jim mentioned, check the gasket and o-rings at both ends of the manifold (tubes). Even if you have not disturbed the manifold, one or both could be leaking.

[Cub49]

Thanks, will try that, it is getting air into system from somewhere. I've had tractor for 15 years with no hydraulic issues before.

[Jim Becker]

Don is probably on the right track. Once the fluid is foamed up, it can take time to settle back to a normal state. I think I would let it sit undisturbed at least overnight with the filler plug removed. Then top it off as needed before starting it, followed by the usual procedure for working air out of the system. If that doesn't clear the problem (or if you have already done exactly that), I would replace the o-rings/gasket on the manifold.

Edit to add: Is the fluid possibly disappearing into the engine oil? If so, I would replace the pump shaft seal while doing the manifold gaskets.

[Cub49]

I have let it sit overnight and went thru those steps, have had to add fluid once earlier in spring. I will order a kit for the pump and go from there. Thanks for the help