Thanks for this input, Kenny and Noel!
Did your valve come off a Massey Ferguson that you put on Alice? I thought the tractor was an A/C due to your name for it. I do remember it is basically scratch built though.
According to the lettering on the fender/valve cover, this is opposite what you are saying, Kenny. Lever forward is float.
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Lever pushed clear forward I get almost the same measurement you did at just under 2-3/8".
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The lever pulled back to the "up" position measures about 1-1/2" and the spring is compressed.
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The lever stays in any position I put it in though even though the spring compresses. There haven't been any hydro system leaks yet---knock on wood---LOL! I suppose the shaft is rusted and causing it to stick wherever I move the lever to.
The detent housing is there, Noel. I can't say yet that the ball, spring and allen screw is though!
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I might take out the allen head bolt holding on the spring setup so I can slide the detent housing back to turn it enough to see that part. I suppose I could take the RR tire/wheel off and look at it from underneath. Seems like everything I take off of this thing uncovers more problems though. Definitely paranoid---LOL!
Right at 1-7/8" is where the spring retainer starts hitting the inside of the cap. That listing for the cap at Jack's has no picture and the MF1450 is not listed as being compatible. Are the MF 1650 valves the same as the 1450? If it is, Kenny, I do agree that it probably be a good idea to order one.
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Since I got sidetracked, I hadn't looked at the engine for a couple days. Those damm puttied holes in the block do seep some oil! The only way to fix it right would be the correct oil pan for this block, but I'm sure that won't fit this tractor. I'm about ready to start parting the darn thing out again!
After draining the oil I have it hanging upside down to try to come up with an idea to seal them up. My first thought is that since a quarter inch plate block mount lays right across those areas was to RTV them when I bolt on the plates. Now I think that some RTV and gasket material might be worth trying. I don't think that will raise the engine enough to cause alignment issues with the drive shaft.
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I can't seem to win with this thing!
Ok that's enough whining for now. Don't really have a choice but to press on and try to jump these hurdles.
DAC