Older Western Cable Operated plow

[callmewaylon]

I want to start off saying that I have no experience with plows. I am lookin at an older cable operated Western plow off a '78 chevy pickup. I will be putting it on my '79 GMC. The guy who is selling got it off a truck that he parted out for the motor. He hooked power up to the plow and the pump ran and seemed to build pressure, but nothing happened. He called me back today to say that he got it working. He said what was wrong was that the pump was mounted in the wrong position-that it was turned the wrong way. He said he took it off and turned it and now the ram will lift the plow up and down. The only thing is that he says it will still not go side to side. He's telling me that it won't go side to side, because he cut the cables for that when he removed it and that the cables are $23 a piece at the western dealer.

Is this guy feeding me a line or does this sound believeable about the pump and cables? I don't mind working on the plow a little, but I don't want to dump a bunch of money down the drain. He is selling the plow for $200 bucks, so it seems like a good deal. Is there anything else I should watch out for?

[wyldman]

Thats a pretty good price for a plow.At that price,you can afford to spend some money on it.I'd take it.

[Pelican]

If he's not BSing you about the pump, it shouldn't take much to get it in shape. For $200 it would be worth tinkering with if it's solid.

[speedracer241]

I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

My old Western cable operated pump was installed on a truck in 1965 and is still going strong today. I had the motor rebuilt last year just to be safe, the pump has never been touched, just clean the screen.

I paid $1200 for my used setup 4 years ago and the blade needed a bunch of work.

Sounds like a bargain,
Mark K

[BRL]

Ditto. Those old pumps are tried & true & basically bullet proof. Just helped a buddy install one from another truck to his and it will outlast that truck probably.

[callmewaylon]

Well, I got the plow installed no problem. I bought new cables and hoses at the Western dealer. The only problem I have now and I don't even know if it's a problem because of my lack of plow experience, is that when I lower the blade it just drops straight to the ground. I move the t handle to the float position and it just falls immediately. I would think there would be some way to lower it slowly or to lower it just a little if you wanted. Is this just some adjustment I have to make or is that just the way they work??

[Pelican]

At the base of the pump motor, there's a large slotted screw with a jamb nut. This is a flow restrictor for lowering the plow. If I remember right, turning it to the right will slow the drop speed. Make sure you keep your feet clear when testing!!!omg