Another Oil Leak

[lreops]

A few months ago, I acquired a L 235 DT with FEL and the D1102A engine. It had some major oil leaks, both engine and front Axle. More of a bigger leak with the front axle than engine. So, I see that I need to tear it apart for the fix. Drop the FEL sub frame to access the removal of propeller shaft, oil pan, and removal of the front Axle from the Axle Bracket. Upon dis-assembly, not only the seals and O rings in the Pinion Gear Case need replacing, but one of the bearings is pretty much shot. Also need to redo the Axle Bracket.

Order everything I needed, Oil Pan Gasket, all associated seals and O rings, both bearings for the Pinion Gear Case, and a part for the Axle Bracket. Got all the engine oil, gear oil, and hydraulic fluid so that when parts arrive, wham bamm, put it all back together. Ready to hang the Axle back into the Axle Bracket.

But now, who shows up......Murphy!! I'm sure you all are well aware of Murphy and his well documented "Laws" and how he has a habit of showing up at the most inappropriate time. Well, All the parts arrive. I reassemble the Pinion Gear bearings, seals, and O rings. Good, that problem solved. Now there is something that does not look quite right with the Axle Bracket part. One note: the previous owner was not too good on doing things the right way and I've found many missing parts and "Rube Goldberg" repairs. As a result of this, I have to rely on my Parts Manual for finding and replacing missing parts. Ended up that the part was mislabeled and the ordeal of getting that straightened out took a little more than two weeks. Thank you, Mr Murphy!! Parts man said that in all his years he has only had one other mislabeled part.

With all of that straightened out, put everything back together, new fluids, filters, and I'm finally ready to be back in business. Can't wait to be able to not have anymore leaks on the floor. But wait, there is still a small oil leak.

As you might guess, after going through all of what I just went through, I'm in no hurry to start tearing things apart again. This is where I hope to get some insight as to what this leak might be.

The newly discovered leak seems to be coming from behind the starter or there close by. The one thing I noticed is that after parking the tractor, this leak presents itself but after sitting awhile, it will stop. Total amount of the leak I would guess is about a ¼ oz, if that. Just enough to make a small pesky puddle. I have been trying to visualize where this oil is coming from at that location but am coming up blank.

Really hate the thought of tearing things apart again so soon, so I am hoping that someone can give some insight as to where this oil is coming from. I can live with this leak for a little while, but I know that it is going to drive me nuts until I can get it to stop.

Thanks for hanging in there for what was supposed to be a short explanation of my situation and maybe any ideas you can come up with.


Ron

 

[lreops]

Ok, I may have gotten a little long winded with the above post, so, here it is short, to the point:

Small engine leak above the Oil Pan, left side, around Starter. Dry above Starter. Leaks while running and for about an hour after shutdown, then no more leaking. What are possible causes and fix??

Ron

 

[Bluegill]

My first thought was rear engine seal, but the would likely show up at the bottom of the bell housing. Only other thing I can think of the the rear of the valve cover and running down to the starter area? Pictures might help.

 

[Stumpy]

Yeah that or the head gasket. I think the oil pressure sender is on the other side so it's probably not that. Poke around, you don't want your clutch getting an oil bath. In fact I'd pull the clutch adjustment panel and see what it looks like in there just for peace of mind.

 

[lreops]

Thank you, Bluegill and Stumpy. I was hoping one of you would jump in with your thoughts, and as a result, I think I've got it narrowed down.

My first fear was along the lines of what Bluegill's mention of rear engine seal but then realized that when I had the FEL subframe off and could see the Flywheel through the window, it was dry. So luckily, not that.

I had already dismissed the Valve Cover Gasket as everything there is dry and clean.

Stumpy, my friend, I think you may have hit it right on the head. The Oil Pressure Switch is right above the Starter. On the Started Casing, there is a little indent that had a puddle of oil and was right below the switch. I've cleaned everything up real good so when I run it next, I'll know exactly where it's coming from. And I'm sure it will be from the switch.

Now, I'm hoping one of you can tell me a little about this switch. Not being familiar with switch, am I correct to figure that it is non serviceable one piece item? As I was looking at it, I thought that this may a bear removing, figuring that it probably has been on there since birth. Got a 1 1/16" wrench and was able to tighten almost a 1/2 turn.

Now I'll just watch it closely and fix the final leak.

Thanks again, guys,

Ron

 

[Stumpy]

It's a standard pressure switch. Pressure at the port opens the switch stopping current in the wire from flowing to ground at the block, which extinguishes your oil pressure warning light. The threads should be 1/8th BSPT which is the British equivalent of out NPT pipe threads. The Japanese use them for some reason. They switches are fairly universal. I'm adding an oil pressure gauge and using an adapter so it's 1/8th NPT. I decided I wanted the light functional too so got a Tee fitting, found a $5 switch out of Jeep that's threaded in 1/8th NPT and it should be good to go.

I'd bet you can get away with just tightening your's if that's the trouble. If not pull the wire, unscrew it and wrap some teflon tape around the threads.

I'd bet you can get away with just tightening it if that's the trouble. If not pull the wire, unscrew it and wrap some teflon tape around the threads.

 

[lreops]

Is the switch itself capable of leaking or would it leak only at where it threads into the block?

Ron

 

[Stumpy]

I'd consider a switch leak unlikely, they're pretty well sealed. Anything is possible though.

Matt

 

[drewscruis]

had an exact problem with my b7100, was the rear main seal. it was leaking right by the starter. looked at the flywheel, looked dry then i pulled the drainplug in the bellhousing and about a quart of oil came out (very bottom of bellhousing) needless to say had to split the tractor and replace seal, rebuilt the clutch while i was in there as well. been fine since

 

[lreops]

Boy, oh boy drewscruis. Here I was just flying along at 30,000 feet enjoying the thoughts of a simple fix for my small leak when, bamm , I start to go into a nosedive with your comment. Had thoroughly dismissed the rear seal failure.

But....I was able to hold it level enough, and long enough at about 5,000 feet and went to check out my little orange friend. Started her up, got the super high powered flashlight, and stood there and watched.

Then, there it was. I immediately started to regain my altitude. Stumpy, apparently the pressure switch can and will develop a leak. Was dripping right at the end where the spade connector is. At a pretty good rate, I might add.

So, maybe dodged a bullet this time (as I am knocking on wood). Another positive result with just a little bit of brainstorming.

Thanks guys

Ron

 

[Stumpy]

Cool glad you found it. Guess the epoxy failed. At least it's easy to get to! The direct replacement from the dealer (Messicks anyway) for my machine is $25 or if you're feeling adventurous you can try and match the thread (should be 1/8th BSPT) and splice the wire to a cheaper switch from the autoparts store. I picked up the one I'm using at Summit Racing.

 

[drewscruis]

Glad it was a simple fix instead of splitting the tractor. I bought mine pretty much knowing it needed a rear main (was leaking at a good clip from the starter, but the price was right for the tractor) didn't mean to scare ya though.

 

[lreops]

Just a follow up. Surprisingly, Kubota dealer was two dollars cheaper than Messick's. Plus, no waiting for it and no S/H charges.

Installed it and did some work in the yard, parked it and waited. All previous cleaned areas were still clean and after about 20 minutes I had one drop. Maybe from an uncleaned spot. In any event, I can proclaim Success !!


Ron

 

[Stumpy]

Glad to hear it!