Sovereign 18 Hydro

[rsnik 1]

While we are sorting out the dues issue, here is my problem - nothing better than a problem to prompt sorting out dues issues, lol.

I have had a Soveriegn 18 Hydro for 8 years. I gave it the full Monty replacement of all belts, fluids, hoses and a carb rebuild. It was pretty tired with 90 pounds on the left cylinder and 120 on the other. Despite that it lasted 8 years with such hard use you could call it abuse. The starter and solenoid failed which is a $350 part.

A miracle happened and I picked up a '94 in astonishing condition. 150 pounds on both cylinders and super clean cosmetics.

I gave it the full Monty deluxe with hydro trans fluid change and filter as well as all belts, fluids, hoses, fuel pump, shut-off valve on electric fuel pump grade fuel supply hose, heavy duty stainless hose clamps, cleaned tank, full set Carlyle Tru Powers and some elbow grease.

My problem is I can't get the linkage to adjust on the hydro. Those who know can see the picture in your mind as I can't post one. You can move the cup to the right or left by loosening the jam nut and turn the adjusting nut on the cam pivot shaft. You can loosen the nut on the control cam to adjust the neutral position so you don't have forward or back creep.

My problem is that the pump control arm roller won't come within an inch of the end of the slot in the cup in forward and reverse. This makes the tractor slow compared to it's twin and nothing appears to be wallowed, egged out or frozen. There is also the spring loaded assembly which can be jacked. I can jack the adjustments to where I get full reverse, but that throws everything else way out of adjustment.

[MikeES 458]

If you still have the old Sovereign, compare the rod movement of both tractors and how far forward and back it moves. You may have a problem with travel of the lever???

[BLT 718]

This should be your parts book. Go to parts book page 22. Nut 26 has been known to loosen up and that lets lever 32 get sloppy. I have found a few this in a few.

http://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocumentDisplay/jgEDGP_csH7tG8EPl7mRgtLvBCd6.pdf

[PhanDad 3,613]

I think you're describing the cage roller not moving to the full travel of the slot. It seems to be a common problem with age. Usually it starts with an increase in speed for a given lever setting after vibration slowly decompresses the cage spring and the roller moves further in the track.

Usually a good cleaning and lube solves the problem. Several members have reported improvement with replacement of the roller. Others have added a washer to each side of the spring cage.

Here are several posts about the issue, some with advice from Al Eden:

http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23345

http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=112273

http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=152269

[rsnik 1]

quote:Originally posted by BLT

This should be your parts book. Go to parts book page 22. Nut 26 has been known to loosen up and that lets lever 32 get sloppy. I have found a few this in a few.http://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocumentDisplay/jgEDGP_csH7tG8EPl7mRgtLvBCd6.pdf

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id="quote">Thank you Bob. This will be my parts manual as soon as I make sure the printer has enough ink and paper in it. I was just in there to clean the area and do PM on the steering assembly. Sheesh, on the next page it says not to brush grease on the steering pinion and gear, which I did. I can see why. The grease will attract grit and sand and cause wear instead of lubrication. Looks like I will be removing that grease when I go check that nut. B)

[rsnik 1]

quote:Originally posted by MikeES

If you still have the old Sovereign, compare the rod movement of both tractors and how far forward and back it moves. You may have a problem with travel of the lever???

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id="quote">Thanks for you expertise, Mike. I had concluded that it is not an adjustment issue - something is loose, needs cleaned/lubricated or replaced. Then the question is what?

[rsnik 1]

quote:Originally posted by PhanDad

I think you're describing the cage roller not moving to the full travel of the slot. It seems to be a common problem with age. Usually it starts with an increase in speed for a given lever setting after vibration slowly decompresses the cage spring and the roller moves further in the track.Usually a good cleaning and lube solves the problem. Several members have reported improvement with replacement of the roller. Others have added a washer to each side of the spring cage.Here are several posts about the issue, some with advice from Al Eden:http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23345http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=112273http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=152269

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id="quote">

id="quote">Bill, thank you so much for researching these links for me. This will git 'er done. I almost shed a tear reading Al Eden's posts. What an incredible man he was and what a terrible loss his passing is.

[rsnik 1]

Mike was right. When I move the side lever back and forth on the other, same tractor there is instant, immediate movement of the rod which leads to the spring loaded buffer and on to the roller and cam.

When I move the side lever on the latest tractor, there is a half to an inch of lever movement before the rod begins to move. Bingo.

Knowledgeable trouble shooting is 99% of success in terms of, at best, not wasting a lot of time and at worst, not tearing stuff up. Thanks very much again all for your knowledgeable trouble shooting.