L245dt mystery leak

[thegrouse]

Well folks this Kubota is starting to be like a boat. As soon as one problem is fixed and diagnosed another one appears. I have a leak that I cannot locate the source. I started to remove the front axle thinking the seals in between the pinion gear and coupling were bad. As I was struggling to remove the tie rod I realized the oil was leaking down from a open hole in the front axle bracket. This hole is higher than the top part of the axle and seal. I checked the parts book and nothing jumped out at me. There is no oil in front of the motor that I can see. I am at a loss as to what to pull next. I have attached a few photos for reference

 

[birddogger]

OK, stick your finger up there and feel it. It looks black like engine oil but you say the engine isn't dripping oil. Soooo, I wonder if it isn't black rust, leaking down from when the water pump was leaking. That is a weep hole for a reason, and the last picture appears a little rust stained around that hole. If water sits on rust a while it turns black. That's how they rust blue a rifle barrel, get it rusty then simmer it in distilled water.
Here's hoping...

 

[thegrouse]

Right now I have the radiator, hoses, alternator and water pump out. There is no obvious signs of a leak. There is however a ton of greasy gunk built up where the block meets up with the front axle bracket. Underneath the main pulley there is about 2 inches of this gunk. I started cleaning it all out last night. I am wondering if the water leaking from the water pump sat down in the gunk if that is what it would look like when it dripped out. I think this is what you are talking about Birddogger? Under the crankshaft it looks dry. I am going to clean some more and get an inspection mirror out to check before I reinstall the water pump. With the exception of the crankshaft seal which looks good I do not see another spot to leak from.

 

[birddogger]

Yeah, or maybe that too, 25+ years of dusty oily build up just oozing out a drop now and then.

 

[thegrouse]

Just a follow up on this. I cleaned out the area under the pulley as good as I could. The leak stopped after a day. I am hoping it was just the water from the leaking pump making its way through the grease and sludge. Ill keep an eye on it.