Sump? under main shaft pulley!

[plowman12]

After pulling my water pump on my L245DT, I noticed what appears to be a sump under the main shaft pulley. I thought it was only filled with coolant from leaking water pump, but it is also filled with a sludge as well. Could be oil, hydraulic fluid (I'm also replacing 3 hyd. hoses). Is there supposed to be a drain for this sump? If so, where? I cannot find it! and if no drain, any suggestions how to clean it out. The pulley position makes it difficult to get any kind of scoop down in there.

As always I really appreciate your suggestions.
Chuck M.

 

[TheOldHokie]

After pulling my water pump on my L245DT, I noticed what appears to be a sump under the main shaft pulley. I thought it was only filled with coolant from leaking water pump, but it is also filled with a sludge as well. Could be oil, hydraulic fluid (I'm also replacing 3 hyd. hoses). Is there supposed to be a drain for this sump? If so, where? I cannot find it! and if no drain, any suggestions how to clean it out. The pulley position makes it difficult to get any kind of scoop down in there.

As always I really appreciate your suggestions.
Chuck M.

Shop vac.

Dan

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Turn the tractor upside down to dump it out!

I don't see a drain hole in there, that's rather odd as I've never heard of this being an issue?
I would flush it out with a hose or better yet a pressure washer.
If it's greasy / oily sludge use some purple cleaner to break down the sludge and get it out.

 

[mcfarmall]

The old Farmall C has a sump like that. Dust, dirt, leaves, sticks, chaff, combined with a slight oil leak from the crankshaft seal combines to make a very effective plug for the thumb sizes drain hole. There may be one on yours too if you dig around in there.

 

[plowman12]

Thanks guys,
I will try all of those except turning the tractor upside down - almost did that a couple of years ago - not a fun experience - still trying to get the skid marks out of my shorts!