Was doing some tractor work today and steering got very difficult. Shut it down as I was done with it for a few. Went to start it again. Oil instantly started pouring. I have a manual but can't tell if these are the drain plug holes.
Spewing oil. L345DT
- Thread starter BigStar2019
- Start date
It is possible that is the source of the leak, but it looks like a mounting point for something. If so that area is thicker metal for the stresses it will experience. Remember gravity and leaks do not play well together. First verify all fluids are filled and then try to locate source of the leak. If you get it clean and dry, baby powder is sometimes useful. Also you said oil and you lost steering? Is the power steering off of engine oil or the hydraulic pump(I suspect this). Can you verify what type of fluid it is?
It's definitely engine oil. I'll have to do another clean job on it to try and find the source. But it seemed as if it was coming from one of those holes. But I agree. Gravity sucks.
Gravity, highway speeds, and build millions of vehicles as cheap as possible. Can't remember how many oil pans I have replaced due to porosity of the metal in the pan(for warranty had to circle the leak), but it is in the hundreds. You could install a bolt in the holes(verify threads and pitch) with a little thread sealer. But I would start higher up. Also that looks like the bottom of a transmission so why is the engine oil there? If it is engine oil. Can you take some pictures of the tractor, as I work on cars/trucks. Have worked on a few JD's and UTV's., but, engines are engines and leaks are universal to them all(except Harley-Davidson they follow they theory of if not leaking, it has no oil in it). 
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North Idaho Wolfman
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The steering on your tractor is separate from the hydraulic system. The power steering reservoir is on top of the engine and has a dipstick on it. I would check all fluids and clean it up and be sure you don't have something running down from above the transmission housing. All of the steering lines are external.