Kubota L185 leaking hydraulic fluid between engine and transmission. HELP

[kwolfey]

My L185 has hydraulic fluid coming out of the inspection cover on the right side bellhousing. It's a tear drop shaped metal plate on the right side of the tractor where the engine and transmission meets(photos attached). If I open the inspection plate I see the flywheel. So I assume it's coming from the transmission. What could have gone out to cause the hydraulic fluid to enter the bellhousing? It's does not seem to be under a lot of pressure but a steady flow. Going to split the tractor but just wanted an idea as to what I need to look for. Thank you

 

[TheOldHokie]

My L185 has hydraulic fluid coming out of the inspection cover on the right side bellhousing. It's a tear drop shaped metal plate on the right side of the tractor where the engine and transmission meets(photos attached). If I open the inspection plate I see the flywheel. So I assume it's coming from the transmission. What could have gone out to cause the hydraulic fluid to enter the bellhousing? It's does not seem to be under a lot of pressure but a steady flow. Going to split the tractor but just wanted an idea as to what I need to look for. Thank you

That type of problem is often a bad transmission output shaft seal.

Dan

 

[Russell King]

You can also open that rectangular cover with two bolts (access to the throw out bearing carrier’s grease zerk) to see behind the pressure plate area. There should be a drain plug on the bottom of the bell housing so you can drain that normally dry clutch bell housing.

Have you checked your engine oil? It might be the hydraulic pump seal has failed and is filling the engine crank case with hydraulic fluid, then that is pushing past the seal.

But if the leaking fluid is a clear amber (not dark or black) then it is probably a bad seal on the transmission or possibly some leak from the FEL that is running past your round cover? If that clutch area is full of oil I would think the clutch would be slipping badly and the tractor might not even move. I would be sure to know if it is external leakage before splitting the tractor!

Here is the most likely seal on the drive system to leak into that area. There is a bearing right behind the seal that could be damaged and I would recommend you replace it also. Are you replacing the clutch parts also while you have is split?

 

[kwolfey]

You can also open that rectangular cover with two bolts (access to the throw out bearing carrier’s grease zerk) to see behind the pressure plate area. There should be a drain plug on the bottom of the bell housing so you can drain that normally dry clutch bell housing.

Have you checked your engine oil? It might be the hydraulic pump seal has failed and is filling the engine crank case with hydraulic fluid, then that is pushing past the seal.

But if the leaking fluid is a clear amber (not dark or black) then it is probably a bad seal on the transmission or possibly some leak from the FEL that is running past your round cover? If that clutch area is full of oil I would think the clutch would be slipping badly and the tractor might not even move. I would be sure to know if it is external leakage before splitting the tractor!

Here is the most likely seal on the drive system to leak into that area. There is a bearing right behind the seal that could be damaged and I would recommend you replace it also. Are you replacing the clutch parts also while you have is split?
View attachment 159862

Thank you for responding... It is hydraulic fluid(clear in color). FEL(?) If you mean front end loader, mine is ran from a separate pump on the engines front output shaft.

I didn't try to drive it, once I saw the fluid leak I shut it down. I should probably consider replacing the clutch if it is soak in fluid, correct?

 

[Russell King]

Yes FEL=Front End Loader

It looks like the best way for you to proceed is to split the tractor to replace the leaking seal. And I would recommend that you replace pretty much anything that you get access to if you can afford it. The clutch plate, pressure plate, throw out bearing, pilot bearing (or bushing) for sure while you are there. The seals and bearings that you can access on the transmission front end.

You will need new fluid so I would also suggest you clean or replace the filter screen for the hydraulic system. I would replace all the orings that seal the hydraulic lines that you will have to remove when splitting the tractor. There will also be sealing washers under all the hydraulic drain points (6 on mine) that I would recommend replacing.

Good luck! Remember to block the front end to the front axle so it can’t tip sideways on the pivot pin of the front axle-before you start taking much apart.