Volvo ECR88 (2005) losing power when hot – need advice

[Miguel0077]

Hello everyone,


I recently bought a Volvo ECR88 from 2005. The machine runs fine when cold, but once it gets hot it starts to lose hydraulic power on all functions.


I’ve already changed the hydraulic oil and filters, but that didn’t really solve the issue. It still feels weak once it warms up.


Has anyone experienced this problem before with these machines? What do you recommend I check next? Could it be the pump starting to get weak, or something else in the hydraulic system?


Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks in advance,
Miguel

 

[nikthewho]

Classic symptom of internal pump wear, as oil heats up and thins, worn clearances can't maintain pressure. Check your system pressure with a gauge when hot versus cold; if it drops significantly under load, the pump's likely culprit.
Also inspect:
Relief valve: Can stick or wear, bypassing flow when hot
Suction strainer: Partial blockage causes cavitation/heat
Cylinder/valve seals: Internal leakage worsens with heat, but usually affects specific functions, not all

 

[nikthewho]

Since all functions weaken equally, pump wear is most probable. Volvo pumps from that era do fatigue. A flow test (hot condition) would confirm before committing to a rebuild or replacement.

 

[Miguel0077]

Since all functions weaken equally, pump wear is most probable. Volvo pumps from that era do fatigue. A flow test (hot condition) would confirm before committing to a rebuild or replacement.

Thanks for the advice!
Do you think it would be better to install a new pump or try to rebuild this one?

 

[nikthewho]

Try to rebuild, that way you will actually find what was the real issue. if you replace by new pump and find out that issue is still there than your money on new pump will be wasted so try to get it rebuild and check for other component state as earlier mentioned.