bx23s engine oil leak

[grayfox]

My bx23s has developed a critical oil leak. The unit was purchased new, has about 270 hours on it, and has had 50 and 200 hour services. The leak started suddenly while mowing. Began to notice smoke from under hood caused by oil spray onto the muffler. Shortly thereafter the low oil pressure light came on.

I suspect a clogged air filter caused pressure buildup. The area I was mowing had a lot of heavy fuzzy debris. I had cleaned air filters before starting but it clogged anyway.

I replaced air filter and oil. I don't see oil spray onto muffler now but can see oil dripping from front area of engine when it runs. It is hard to see exactly where it originates. I will try to get it raised up and get some light onto it so I can see better but thought I would seek advice here first.

I also can't seem to find a good diagram of the engine to see what is there that could be leaking. I have seen posts about the oil sensor leaking. Is it in that area? Can anyone suggest good parts diagrams?

All suggestions appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[PaulL]

I'd say, unfortunately, the best path will be to look harder. Whilst people on the internet can tell you places that tractors have leaked before, that doesn't mean it's where it's leaking on your tractor. Usually the trick is to clean that area of the engine, run it, and then wipe your finger along to see which bits are wet with oil, and follow that back to the source. A pressure washer then let it dry may be the best way to get there.

 

[Grandad4]

Was the stopped up air filter accompanied by a stopped up radiator? That might have caused the engine to overheat. Prolonged overheating can cause significant engine damage to all engines, especially so for diesel motors. It"s a good sign that your engine still runs and is not seized up, but overheating can also cause a warped or cracked cylinder head. Look for leakage around the engine at the junction of the cylinder head and the block.

Hopefully it's something minor but ruling out the more serious possibilities should be a priority. Good luck!

 

[grayfox]

Was the stopped up air filter accompanied by a stopped up radiator? That might have caused the engine to overheat. Prolonged overheating can cause significant engine damage to all engines, especially so for diesel motors. It"s a good sign that your engine still runs and is not seized up, but overheating can also cause a warped or cracked cylinder head. Look for leakage around the engine at the junction of the cylinder head and the block.

Hopefully it's something minor but ruling out the more serious possibilities should be a priority. Good luck!

It did not overheat when this happened. I was watching the temp gauge closely since I knew there was a lot of debris which could clog the airflow to the radiator.

It is leaking between the flywheel and the block. Very hard to see much there. I was able to get some more light on it today and see oil drips on the bolts at the front of the oil pan but not sure yet if it is leaking at the oil pan or something above it.

I still have not been able to find a good parts diagram to see what else might be there that could be leaking.

 

[grayfox]

I'd say, unfortunately, the best path will be to look harder. Whilst people on the internet can tell you places that tractors have leaked before, that doesn't mean it's where it's leaking on your tractor. Usually the trick is to clean that area of the engine, run it, and then wipe your finger along to see which bits are wet with oil, and follow that back to the source. A pressure washer then let it dry may be the best way to get there.

Thanks. Of course I am continuing to look harder but it is very hard to see anything in that location. As I posted below I was able to get some light onto the area today and see oil drips on the oil pan bolts near the flywheel. Can't tell yet where they originate. It is very difficult to clean that area and get fingers into it to feel it. Still looking as I get more time to do so.

But all suggestions appreciated.

 

[Russell King]

Try this for the illustrated parts list

Kubota Tractor Corporation - Illustrated Parts List

- K-PAD - Parts Lists - Illustrated Parts Lists - diagrams

apps.kubotausa.com

 

[The Evil Twin]

Oil dye.

 

[grayfox]

Try this for the illustrated parts list

Kubota Tractor Corporation - Illustrated Parts List

- K-PAD - Parts Lists - Illustrated Parts Lists - diagrams

apps.kubotausa.com

Thanks. I had not found that. I had only found static images of some of these.

 

[Fordtech86]

The unit was purchased new, has about 270 hours on it, and has had 50 and 200 hour services. The leak started suddenly while mowing.

I would make sure the crankcase is venting properly

 

[grayfox]

I would make sure the crankcase is venting properly

Thanks.

and by venting, does that mean the breather in the head cover? Is there anything else to check?

 

[DustyRusty]

Oil dye.

Fluorescent oil dye and a blacklight.

 

[The Evil Twin]

Fluorescent oil dye and a blacklight.

It's the only way to go.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

1st step is to really,really clean the engine from the top down,when cold of course....I pressure wash with a 'fan' tip NOT a 'laser beam' tip. Garden hose is fine...use what you have.
Now clean it again and let dry( compressed air helps speed up that process.
When clean and dry, start up and run for say 2-3 minutes,then turn off.
Now carefully look for ANY signs of oil,use flashlight at odd angles for 'glistening' from oil.
If nothing, run engine for 5 minutes,turn off, look again.
Since it's at the 'flywheel area', I suspect a clamp on the oil breather 'system' may be loose ?
I have 1100+ hrs on my BX23S, never had oil issue. Rad hose needed 1/2 turn tough.

 

[grayfox]

I would make sure the crankcase is venting properly

Thanks for this advice. I think the breather being clogged caused the problem. I removed it and found it had a lot of debris in it and was not moving freely. Breather cover has a vent hole so I think oil initially sprayed out from there.

I cleaned up the breather and replaced it. Cleaned up the top of the engine and started it. Could see some oil pooling around the valve (head) cover. I believe this was running to the front of the engine where I saw it dripping onto the ground.

Dealer did not have the new gasket and breather in stock so won't be able to replace until next week.

Parts person also suggested checking the tube from the breather as it could be clogged.

I'll give you an update next week when I get the new parts in.

Thank you everyone for suggestions.