Instructions for specific 9N/2N/8N maintenance projects I'm setting up this page with the intention of saving somebody the time that I didn't when doing some simple projects on the old Ford N-series tractors. Most projects can be found described in considerable detail on the internet, so I'll only include those that I was unable to find elsewhere (and that I've had to do). Safety / Check Valve Replacement This one is described as an easy replacement everywhere I looked, but it took me a few hours to figure out the trick. Honestly, it really is easy once you can get to the part. The hydraulics on my 2N were weak and getting weaker, and since there was no other sign of badness in the system (no odd noises or anything like that), I suspected that the valve was the culprit. Removing the side cover with the dipstick and running the hydraulics showed considerable turbulence in the fluid at the bottom of the pump assembly, so it looked like I was on track. I spent the $28 to purchase and ship the thing to my house and got started. Step-By-Step: Drain the hydraulic/transmission fluid. There are 5 gallons in there, so be ready for it! Drain in three places -- under the shifter, under the transmission fluid dipstick, and under the center of the rear axle housing. I used a 1 1/16th socket on the first two drain plugs and an adjustable wrench on the last one. Remove the cover with the dipstick on it. I believe the socket I used was an 11/16ths. You'll also be removing the parking brake plate (not sure of the official name), so just make a note of how it goes back together. Through this opening you'll be able to see the check valve under the PTO driveshaft at the back of the pump directly over the drain hole. Move to the back of the tractor with the 11/16ths inch socket and remove the 4 bolts that hold the PTO driveshaft in place. Once they're removed, pull the PTO driveshaft straight out of the tractor. Move back to the side of the tractor, and using an 11/16ths inch box wrench (or an 18mm), go through the hole where the dipstick plate was and unscrew the valve. You may need to move the lift adjuster lever on the tractor to allow more room to work in there, but the valve will be easily accessible. Once removed, screw in the new valve and tighten it down. Reassembly is the reverse. Be sure to add 5 gallons of tractor hydraulic/transmission fluid before testing things out. The fill hole is next to the shifter. The results that I saw were amazing. Prior to the fix the tractor was struggling to lift a 150 pound scraper blade. After the valve replacement it had no problems lifting a 650 pound grooming mower attachment to full height, which it was never able to do since I purchased the tractor. The project is well worth the time and cost to do. I just wished I'd thought of pulling the PTO shaft earlier. Good luck, and I hope this helps. Back to main page.