Tractor Repair: Rear 3-jpoint hydraulic lift, 1973 Ford 2000 Tractor, dean roberts, pipe plug

Question
Big Dean,
I have a 1973 Ford 2000 (3 cyl diesel, Ag) tractor.  The up/down of the 3-point hitch is not working at all.  It was working fine when I parked it. The next time I went to use it - a few weeks later, no function.  I checked fluids.  Rear axel fluid, OK level & appearance.  Transmission fluid, Level low, very milky & thick, but not foul or dirty.  I drained the Trans fluid, rinsed a little new fluid through, and refilled (~15 quarts) until new fluid was coming out side check hole.  Still no rear lift function.  Everything else is working well.  What do I check or do next?
Thanks, Dean Roberts

Answer
Hi Dean
  It sounds like your pump has lost it prime not uncommon on those tractors. Most of the time all it takes is bleeding the air from the pump. You bleed it by removing the 1/2'' pipe plug on the top front of the pump. Starter the engine & let it idle till oil starts to come out the hole then replace the plug. Your hydraulics should start to work after that. If this starts to happen frequently you either have a pump seal bad or the pickup tube seals are bad. I think they were still using the engine mounted pumps in 1973. Careful you can sure enough get an oil bath doing this been there a few times.  Hope This helps Big Dean