Engine runs rough

The next biggest problem is the height of the lift. I had a single ripper on it the other day which was quite long. After cutting a small trench across the yard for an underground fence, I couldn't get it up high enough to clear the ground. I backed it around and lowered and raised until I had trenches all over the yard and driveway. I could only get it all the way up by removing the top link, swiveling the ripper out of the way and lowering the lift all the way down and then back up. After reading the archives however I suspect that I need to tighten the item 23 rod that Burrhead has referred to in the past. I thought if I had the top plate off anyway I could service other areas. What is the best way to flush out and clean the hydraulics and gears?

I have finally solved my dexta's tendency to stick in reverse at the worst possible times by trial and error welding and reading these post. Thanks to all who contributed to that one.

To clean the diff and hyd system I drain the oil and replace it with #2 diesel fuel and idle the tractor til the engine comes up to operating temp as I operate the lift.

I would bet the prob is the rod you have mentioned.

Then drain the fuel and service the lift. Be sure to put the control in lowered position and push the lift arms down to get all cleared out.

With the cover off it would be a good time to clean and service the back pressure valve. It is in the end of the steel line in the return hydralic filter.

The unloading valve could be cleaned now too.

It's the one that is in the side of the pump's external cover.

The gear sticking issue is a common problem with dexta's. The end of the shifter becomes worn and comes out of the pocket or hangs up. The solution is easy enough, but may take some trial and error. You will need to remove the shifter and add some metal to the end of the shaft so it wont come out of place as it moves the gears around. I used a welder set on low to avoid removing more metal than I was adding. There are several posts here that discuss the dimensions. Check out Wayne's Dexta page at>Link