Abstract: A hydraulic pilot valve having an improved detent mechanism. The pilot valve includes a pair of lever operated plunger members which operate sliding valve members to control the opening and closing of a pair of work ports. Biasing members urge the plunger members to an extended position so as to maintain contact with the lever, and a pair of detent mechanisms act to hold the respective plunger members in the extended position. Movement of the lever to depress either of the plunger members and thus operate the respective valve members to open either of the work ports allows the respective biasing member to move the other plunger member to its extended position where it is held in place by its respective detent mechanism, thus holding the lever in its cocked position.