Hi, I'm new to the forum and hoping for some info that I haven't been able to find anywhere out here on the internet. I have a 2006 L3400 HST. I had a problem about 3-4 years ago with weak, jerky operation and foamy fluid. Changed out the big suction hose near the brake pedals, old one was cracked and seeping a little. Upgrading that hose fixed my issue. Now I am having an issue with foamy fluid again and can't find the source of the potential leak. suction hose seems fine, no cracks that I can see, tight hose clamps on both ends. I'm wondering if there is another usual suspect in the hydraulic system for air leaks. I found a short piece of rubber hose underneath the center of the tractor that seems to be a crossover in the suction system but it isn't seeping. Just wondering if anyone has had a similar issue and resolved it. Has anyone had the upgraded suction hose fail without any sign of seeping/ cracks?
mysterious suction side hydraulic leak, foamy oil on L3400
- Thread starter wilsonk
- Start date
The suction hose at the pump (the one you replaced, TC220-33332 is the new part number) is the usual cause. That said, lots of dealers a few years back still had the ORIGINAL part (TC220-33330) in stock, and they sold lots of them-and those were the ones that were prone to cracking. So if you got that one, it in fact might be leaking. I have seen one or two with symptoms such as you have described, yet found no major cracking at the tube. Removed, replaced with new part and solved the aeration.
Also make sure your suction filter is tight and that none of the tubes leading to it are damaged. There are o-rings between the tube and the filter housing, then also an o-ring between the suction tube and the trans case back at the rear. They usually don't leak but anything's possible....if they were leaking, you'd generally see some seepage.
If all else fails, there is the possibility that your suction filter is collapsed internally. I have seen one or two of them with this issue, but mostly on the L3301/L3901.
All this assuming that your UDT or Super UDT2 is in good condition....recently had an M series in the shop, guy complained of similar symptoms, and he had saved a couple bills and used TSC hydraulic oil, and it had gotten algae in the fluid plugging everything up.
Also make sure your suction filter is tight and that none of the tubes leading to it are damaged. There are o-rings between the tube and the filter housing, then also an o-ring between the suction tube and the trans case back at the rear. They usually don't leak but anything's possible....if they were leaking, you'd generally see some seepage.
If all else fails, there is the possibility that your suction filter is collapsed internally. I have seen one or two of them with this issue, but mostly on the L3301/L3901.
All this assuming that your UDT or Super UDT2 is in good condition....recently had an M series in the shop, guy complained of similar symptoms, and he had saved a couple bills and used TSC hydraulic oil, and it had gotten algae in the fluid plugging everything up.
Thanks Lugbolt, I'll check on the hose again. Could be a hairline crack somewhere but I had the hose off yesterday and couldn't find anything. buying a new one is a cheap option and I'll probably do that and a new filter. New UDT and filter about 200 hours ago but could be the filter. This time the hydraulics aren't jerky yet and no trouble steering etc. So maybe a really small leak or something that I need to track down. Just wanted to see if there was another common culprit besides the return hose. Thanks for the advice
