[AT] Farmall 656

[Mike Sloane]

I think that, except for the engine, the hydraulics of the 656 are 
similar to the 706. If that is the case, you can remove the filter cover 
without draining the entire system. You will probably lose a couple of 
quarts of hydraulic fluid. One note - the gasket between the housing and 
the cover plate is just paper, so be very careful with it, or be 
prepared to make/buy a new one. The filter is on the suction side of the 
system, so a poorly fitting gasket can/will result in cavitation from 
air entering the system. The filter is a metal/paper assembly that is 
available from Case IH or NAPA/Baldwin/WIX - it is common to a dozen 
different IH tractors of that era.

If your hydraulic fluid is clear and clean, I would just leave things
well enough alone. If the fluid is dirty or white (water contamination),
then you really should change it.

Mike

Moseley, Richard wrote:
> Thanks Charlie; that's a good idea.
> 
> RM
> 
> -----Original Message----- From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
> [mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of
> charliehill Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 11:49 AM To: Antique
> tractor email discussion group Subject: Re: [AT] Farmall 656
> 
> Rick, I can't help you with the tractor it's self but while you are
> waiting for parts and info try this.  Drain the hydaulic oil into a
> clean container and let it sit for several days.  Then pour it off or
> draw it off slowly from the top and filter or strain it.  Most of the
> trash should stay in the bottom of the container.  It might help to
> put a magnet in the bottom of the container.  While it is out flush
> the hydaulic housing with kerosene or diesel, let it drain out  well
> and then sacrifice a couple of quarts of oil by pouring them through
> so that they push out the last of the diesel or kero.  When you get
> it cleaned up and re-filled with the old fluid you should only have
> to replace a small quantity of fluid.  Even if the old fluid doesn't
> look that good it should be ok for you to test run the tractor.  Then
> you can replace it with fresh if you feel the need.
> 
> Charlie