Oil loss

[Citro-nut]

I checked the oil level on my B4200 today before mowing my meadow and it was on the bottom of the dipstick. I added 250ml and off I went. After 15 mins or so it lay down a 10ft trail of oil on the grass from the breather hose. It's not the first time this has happened and now it's back to the bottom of the dipstick.
Is this a common problem, crankcase breather maybe? Is it a problem at all? should I just accept it as the oil level the engine is happy with?

 

[TECH101]

Verification of compression test + leak down and vacuum tests should be first but most people down have these testing tools (send to dealer)

could be a few different things, first with the breather itself I would check that first

Could also be your cylinder / piston rings are worn to the point that its causing blow by and pressuring the crankcase

Hope this helps you out

 

[kubotafreak]

See how much crank case pressure is present, when you sit the oil cap on the valve cover threads running. It can move a little, but if it blows off you got issues.

 

[TECH101]

See how much crank case pressure is present, when you sit the oil cap on the valve cover threads running. It can move a little, but if it blows off you got issues.

This would be the vacuum test I was referring to

 

[Citro-nut]

Hi tech101, thanks for the advice. Although the oil filler cap test was inconclusive, didn't blow off, I an concerned that the oil level is now showing way too far up the dipstick having stood. My initial suspicion is that there is blow-by and fuel is entering the sump causing the rise in level and inevitable discharge through the vent hose. however, there's no distinct smell of diesel in the oil, nor does it seem to be burning oil nor blowing off of the filler cap. So I'm a bit miffed.
I might do what UK ford fiesta boy-racers do to 'improve performance' and put the vent hose into a coke bottle.
I'll have a look at the vent valve, get the oil level right and monitor it using the coke bottle over the next few sessions. ( wife not too sure about the black pin-striping on the grass!!

 

[kubotafreak]

If the oil dipstick tube extends into the oil level, it will become air locked. To remedy this you must remove, wipe, and reinsert to get an accurate reading. Of the two dipstick sides, it is generally best to go with the lowest level since the dipstick is usually at an angle. Given your description, it may be a good idea to check, and monitor the hydraulic fluid level. The high pressure pumps can pump into the crankcase if the seal goes bad.

 

[Citro-nut]

Hi Kubotafreak, thanks for the reply, I assume the tranny oil is measured to the little level bung on the side of the casing, painted red, as there is no dipstick as such?

 

[kubotafreak]

Hi Kubotafreak, thanks for the reply, I assume the tranny oil is measured to the little level bung on the side of the casing, painted red, as there is no dipstick as such?

correct, most use the sight glass for trans fluid. The dipstick talk was really for the engine oil level, to make sure that is not your source of variance.

 

[whitetiger]

This would be the vacuum test I was referring to

Could you provide a detailed step-by-step procedure for vacuum testing a Diesel engine????