1960 beginner Dexta questions

1) When idling (sometimes even at high idle) the RPM's will cycle from low to high constantly. Is this normal?

2) When lifting the lift lever past the upper stop position, the lift will raise another 8-10 inches or so, then it slowly drops back down to a certain position. Is it suppose to "correct" itself in some way such as this?

3) Would like to check the fuel filter. Is there any special procedures I should follow so I don't allow air in the lines and have to prime the injectors?

4) Where do I check hydraulic fluid levels? transmission fluid levels? drain? fill?

5) What type of hydraulic oil should I use? engine oil? I'm located in South Alabama and it gets very hot and humid in summer and rarely below 30 degrees in winter.

6) Sometimes absolutely nothing happens when I raise the lift lever. I lower it and try again, and all works fine. this happens maybe 1/10 times. What's going on?

As you can tell, I'm very new to tractors (especially diesels). If someone could help me out a little, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Chris

2. The check plug for the differential and lift is located just forward and above the pto shift handle. Oil shold be up to the plug when it's removed. The large plug to the rear right side of the seat is the filler plug.

3. The check plug for the tranny is on the right side above the running board just forward of the tranny-differential joint. The filler plug is on top of the tranny behind the shifters.

4. The lift handle is probly out of adjustment internally just a little bit. That's what usually causes the extra 8" lift problem. You have to take off the lift top to adjust it, so I never adjust unless the problem is so severe as to be dangerous or it hinder the operations.

5. I'm in SE Texas with about the same climate as you have so I run 90wt gear oil in the tranny and differential both year round.

6. To change the fuel filters. Shut off the fuel at the tank 1st. Then take off the filter and completely clean the filter housing out with a rag. Install the new filter and gasket. Now loosen the 1/2" headed bleeder plug in the top of the filter base. Turn on the fuel and let it run into the filter til it's bled all the air out. Tighten the bleeder plug back down. Now loosen the bleeder plug on the side of the injector pump. It's 1/2" headed too and is near the top outside of the pump.
When you get a pure fuel and no air, you're ready to go.

If I was'nt going to run gear oil in the lift I would'nt use less than 50wt engine oil. If you try to run hydraulic oil in the diff the lift won't work, or it will be so weak it won't lift anything.

If you need the NAPA and Carquest filter numbers for the oil and fuel either email me or repost on here. I have several of the filter numbers and they are a lots more cheaper than Ford dealers.

Good luck and enjoy your Dexta. I like them, they are a very good tractor. You can't ever use ether to crank them or the pistons burst.