TOW TRUCK PROBLEMS

Look I will tell you something, read it carefully.

Now that I see the other side there are two issues you may have, one is with the mount and the other may be the pump. One or the other is out of alignment. It could be that the mount has been moved and the pump has to be shimmed up to align it right.

I was wrong based on the photo I saw about the alternator.

You don't need a hydraulic mechianc to fix either, the pump is not mounted right as others pointed out, it isn't difficult to properly mount and align that pump, anyone with good mechanical ability can do it. There should be four bolts on those pumps, not two but can get by with two. The difficulty in it is just getting it aligned.

Even a truck mechanic who works on car haulers (those pumps are used on them or were) can fix the problem for you.

By the way I worked for the designer of that pump back in 1982 and 83. Before the guy created a pump with an a/c clutch attached to it, they ran constantly or had a dog clutch system to engage it or ran off the pto, his design allowed a pump to be put on almost any engine or motor. I've rebuilt a bunch of these pumps as part of my learning his business.

 

Good luck getting your money back.

 

@Kellz216 sorry it has taken so long to reply. I do not know anyone in the Cleveland area directly, but a dealer friend of mine suggested you talk to Dale Kufner at Kufner's Towing. He is a good guy and can point you towards a good hydraulic shop that understands tow trucks. He has quite a few trucks in his fleet with the same type of clutch pump you have. He may even be willing to have one of his mechanics look at it for you.

 

You guys, he doesn't need anyone with hydraulic knowledge to fix this issue of alignment, anyone with a an ability to turn a wrench, including my kids can fix that. Thinking about the issue more, he may need to shim it up if the base of the pump is off.

 

It is more than just being out of alignment, which it obviously is. I agree fixing the mounting alignment is easy and only requires basic tools. If the alignment isn't fixed soon he will lose the bearing in his alternator and the clutch on his pump.

The boom functions he is talking about moving slowly are not from misalignment unless the belt is slipping. I suspect the clutch is not fully engaging or the hydraulic lines are backwards causing low flow rate.

This is a very simple pump made from a set of gears so it will flow in either direction, but the valve body used in his truck is one way not bi-directional, meaning if the in and out got reversed it won't flow properly or if a piece of debris got into the line there may be enough of a restriction to cause his boom issues.

I think he has a combination of issues caused by poor practices at the shop that worked on his engine, lousy craftsmanship on the reinstall and who knows what the hydraulic shop did.

 

The alignment issue I agree. A misaligned belt is almost 99% certain to not fix the hydraulic problems. If the pump is spinning, its moving oil (unless the pump is shot).

 

@Feedman - right up your alley, fella.

 

Have you checked your pressure relief valve in the boom circuit? Have you attached any gauges at all to the system? What type of controls do you have on your unit - straightforward hand valve, or electric over hydraulic? Shame you're not closer to Denver. I actually am a heavy equipment mechanic, and I do know hydraulics.

The belt alignment issue definitely needs to be taken care of. However, if your winch, stinger, and whatever other hydraulics you're running are working as they should, then I'm also inclined to say it's in the hydraulic circuit for the boom itself.

 

Almost looks like the belt is not wide enough......it is down in the
groove pretty far. If the belt is down in the groove to far it will "bottom
out" and it will slip....especially under load. I am guessing the boom
requires more power than the other functions....

I would try to find a farm shop mechanic/tractor dealership......those
guys are likely more familiar with your situation than auto garages.


My advise is to align the pump better.....try a little bit wider belt....make
sure belt tension is tight.....try again.

As for hoses hooked backward that normally just makes your controls
backwards......moving the lever up will make the boom go down.....etc.
You should still have power....just be backwards.

One easy way to test this theory is to watch the belt while operating
the boom. Requires somebody to help you. Make sure to not get to close
to the engine while it is running......you should be able to see or hear if the
belt is slipping without getting to close. Remember….safety first.