Why is my oil level rising? B8200

[MAArcher]

My B8200 that I got from my parent and I've had for just over a year now is running OK, no smoke other than a puff of black at start up. About 800 hours. But when I checked the oil, the level was way past max full. And the coolant level was a little low about a quarter cup. So I'm guessing the coolant is leaking into the oil. Seems strange that the oil doesn't look milky of foamy like I'd expect though. Just disappointingly dirty given I did an oil change about 16 hours ago.

What do I do now? Is it safe to assume the head gasket just needs to be replaced or is there more diagnosis that needs to be done?

Thanks for any help!

 

[6869704x4]

Does the oil smell like diesel fuel?

 

[TheOldHokie]

My B8200 that I got from my parent and I've had for just over a year now is running OK, no smoke other than a puff of black at start up. About 800 hours. But when I checked the oil, the level was way past max full. And the coolant level was a little low about a quarter cup. So I'm guessing the coolant is leaking into the oil. Seems strange that the oil doesn't look milky of foamy like I'd expect though. Just disappointingly dirty given I did an oil change about 16 hours ago.

What do I do now? Is it safe to assume the head gasket just needs to be replaced or is there more diagnosis that needs to be done?

Thanks for any help!

A quarter cup wont show on the dipstick. Check the hydraulic oil level.

Dan

 

[Russell King]

A few comments on your statements:

Engine oil on older diesels will get black quickly. Nature of the beast.

ASSUME you checked oil level after the oil change so the increase happened afterwards. Kubota often has a raised section in the oil pan to allow the front wheel drive shaft to go under. So they need to put two drains in. Often the oil is only drained out of one side and leaves some in the pan. If the specified amount is dumped in then the oil will be over full (And black really quickly).

On my L185 the similar situation of too much engine oil was due to the shaft seal on the hydraulic pump failing and basically pumping hydraulic oil into the engine crankcase. It is a pretty easy and inexpensive fix. This is why @TheOldHokie suggested checking that fluid.

 

[D2Cat]

Don't assume anything. Don't start any repairs until you determine what fluids are doing/going. Check out everything previously mentioned. Might even go to the local auto parts store and "rent" a pressure tester for the cooling system.

 

[MAArcher]

It doesn't smell like diesel, but my sense of smell is awful. The hydraulic fluid is full and clean.

After I noticed the issue yesterday, I topped off the coolant and mowed a for about another half hour. I just checked it again and it is a little lower but not bad. It appears these things don't have an overflow bottle so I guess you just must routinely loose some collate out the overflow tube?

A few weeks back I was thinking the oil was a little low and added some oil. Now I'm wondering if I dumped way more in there than I thought. So I just drained a half quart or so out. Gonna let it sit and settle and check the dipstick again later. May have to drain some more out. But once I get the oil level where it should be, hopefully after the rain passes in three of four days, I'll finish mowing, have about an hour left, and see how all the fluid levels look then. Hopefully I just stupidly over filled it and it will be fine.

But, if its not coolant and its not hydraulic fluid and I didn't over fill it, that leaves diesel in the oil. How do I know if there's diesel in the oil and how do I go about finding that leak? ....searching OTT it looks like a leaking lift pump diaphragm could cause the issue. A new diaphragm from Messicks is $43 or a whole new pump from them is $170 and would be here who knows when. A whole new lift pump off amazon is $30 and would be here in two days. Any issue with trying out the Amazon pump?

 

[TheOldHokie]

It doesn't smell like diesel, but my sense of smell is awful. The hydraulic fluid is full and clean.

After I noticed the issue yesterday, I topped off the coolant and mowed a for about another half hour. I just checked it again and it is a little lower but not bad. It appears these things don't have an overflow bottle so I guess you just must routinely loose some collate out the overflow tube?

A few weeks back I was thinking the oil was a little low and added some oil. Now I'm wondering if I dumped way more in there than I thought. So I just drained a half quart or so out. Gonna let it sit and settle and check the dipstick again later. May have to drain some more out. But once I get the oil level where it should be, hopefully after the rain passes in three of four days, I'll finish mowing, have about an hour left, and see how all the fluid levels look then. Hopefully I just stupidly over filled it and it will be fine.

But, if its not coolant and its not hydraulic fluid and I didn't over fill it, that leaves diesel in the oil. How do I know if there's diesel in the oil and how do I go about finding that leak? ....searching OTT it looks like a leaking lift pump diaphragm could cause the issue. A new diaphragm from Messicks is $43 or a whole new pump from them is $170 and would be here who knows when. A whole new lift pump off amazon is $30 and would be here in two days. Any issue with trying out the Amazon pump?

Take that drained oil and send it off along with $30 for a used oil analysis. It will tell you if you have fuel or coolant contamination and how much. Way cheaper than blindly throwing parts and money at a problem that may not even exist.

Dan

 

[MAArcher]

The drained oil got dumped into the used oil bucket unfortunately and I'd like to avoid the time and hassle of sending a sample out and waiting for results.

Hopefully it will be easy to diagnose from here. If the oil continues to rise and the coolant and hydraulic fluids stay the same then it has to be the diesel if I didn't overfill the oil (I do dumb stuff like that on occasion). So I just ordered the cheap amazon pump because I need the tractor operational ASAP.

While I was surfing looking for answers, I saw these video's:

Maybe if the cheap amazon pump doesn't hold up I'll have to do something similar or pony up for the $170 OEM pump or $70 diaphragm.

Thank you all for the guidance, I'll let you know what happens when the rain clears out!

 

[Oleracer]

Like was mentioned…. Do an oil sample send it in.It takes no time at all and is the most exact way too diagnose a problem,Something that should be done annually anyways that the smartest mechanics DONT DO.. road map of engine health and what’s happening or going to happen..,

 

[dragfan66]

An old trick I have used with some success over the years for a down and dirty test.
Pull the dipstick and hold a lighter to the tip.
If it lights on fire, it is diesel fuel, if it pops and sizzles, it will be coolant.
Of course, that won't help if it is getting hydraulic oil in the crankcase.

Anyway, get your oil level right and go from there, you are on the right track.

 

[Edke6bnl]

For a temporary test I would crimp the hose to the fuel pump when not using the tractor and see if all is good the next time you use it. I had to shut the fuel tank valve everytime I was done with my old Ford tractor.

 

[InTheWoods]

...I'd like to avoid the time and hassle of sending a sample out and waiting for results....

Time and hassle? What do you suggest that's faster or easier to figure out why your oil level is rising?

 

[MAArcher]

Time and hassle? What do you suggest that's faster or easier to figure out why your oil level is rising?

I drained the oil to the right level. Coolant and hydraulic are at the right level. As soon as the lawns dry I’m going to mow for an hour and see what’s leaking into the oil, if anything. My bet is diesel since coolant wasn’t down much and hydraulic wast down at all. Lift pump will be here Tuesday.
If the diesel drains into the oil even when it’s not running, I should know that tomorrow.

 

[Dave_eng]

My B8200 that I got from my parent and I've had for just over a year now is running OK, no smoke other than a puff of black at start up. About 800 hours. But when I checked the oil, the level was way past max full. And the coolant level was a little low about a quarter cup. So I'm guessing the coolant is leaking into the oil. Seems strange that the oil doesn't look milky of foamy like I'd expect though. Just disappointingly dirty given I did an oil change about 16 hours ago.

What do I do now? Is it safe to assume the head gasket just needs to be replaced or is there more diagnosis that needs to be done?
whole pump
Thanks for any help!

A failing fuel lift pump diaphragm can leak fuel into the crankcase.
NIW has said in the past, don'

t replace the diaphragm but rather replace the pump

Dave

 

[InTheWoods]

Lift pump is a good GUESS. Some people like to throw parts at a problem before getting to root cause, which is fine, I suppose...

 

[TheOldHokie]

Lift pump is a good GUESS. Some people like to throw parts at a problem before getting to root cause, which is fine, I suppose...

I am still pissed off at the local garage. I started using then when my health failed and I could not do things myself.

PS on my Ram 1500 stopped working while I was moving a trailer at home. Classic symptoms and a quick check showed empty PS reservoir which I filled. No love - got some steering back but only at 1000+ RPM and the pump was moaning and groaning.

Took it to the garage and told them it had been run dry and needed a new pump. A week later they called and said the problem was a leaking rack @$900. I expressed some doubt but they were firm so I OK'd the job.

Another week passes and they call to tell me the new rack did not fix the problem and they thought the pump was bad. DOH!! Asked if I wanted the truck back as is or a new pump. WTF!!

I OK'd the pump replacement and another week passed before the cashier called and said it was ready for pickup. Ransom paid at pickup came out a biscuit short of $1500.. Grrrr!!!!

Dan

 

[rudder35]

My old school test for coolant in the oil was to pull the dipstick and drop some oil on a hot exhaust manifold. Oil just runs off but coolant makes steam.

 

[InTheWoods]

...As soon as the lawns dry I’m going to mow for an hour and see what’s leaking into the oil, if anything. My bet is diesel...

So, you're planning to run it with what might be a mix of Diesel and lube oil in the crankcase? Hmm, remind me not to buy a used tractor from you...

 

[MAArcher]

So, you're planning to run it with what might be a mix of Diesel and lube oil in the crankcase? Hmm, remind me not to buy a used tractor from you...

Do you think it would hurt it if just running it for a short while? Maybe I'll just go ahead and change the pump and oil. The filter probably only has 12 hours on it. Does diesel mess up the filter requiring it to be changed too?

 

[InTheWoods]

Do you think it would hurt it if just running it for a short while? ...

I don't know. Diesel isn't an engine lubricant, so at some point. it'll wreck your engine.