Tractor Repair: IH 1466, pen spring, check valve

Question
I have a question on the steering on a 1466 tractor. I put clutch and TA in this tractor last year.  When the tractor is started, the steering wheel is solid and won't budge right or left.  If you keep trying to turn right or left and/ or move the tractor, the steering will all of sudden start working.  It will then work fine the rest of the day.  Looking for a little guidance on where to start troubleshooting.
Thanks,

Matt

Answer
Hello,

  It sounds like the pump may be slow to prime because the pump is getting worn out, or the steering sump check valve may be leaking.  The steering, brakes, and TA are all supplied by the same pump mounted on the inside of the multiple control valve.  If the pump is not supplying any oil, none of these should work while the problem is occurring, and the red light on the dash that is lit when the clutch is pushed in should be lit all the time until the problem goes away.  If the brakes and TA still work when the steering doesn't and the light is not on, then the pump is pumping oil but there is a problem in the steering circuit such as the sump check valve.  It is a small plastic plunger with a spring about the size of a ballpoint pen spring.  If it leaks, the oil will drain out of the steering circuit after the tractor sits for awhile.  To repair the sump check valve or the pump, the multiple control valve must be removed.