Hydraulic leak

dletourneau3 · Feb 26, 2011

Ok. I we a a quick freeze here and it seems I now have a Hydraulic leak and a fairly large one.

The fluid pours out at the bottom of the radiator. I checked the radiator fluid and it is not mixed with oil. I check the crankcase oil and it is free from water. I do not see where the hydraulic lines attach to the radiator. Any thoughts on where this might be coming from. There is no a lot of fluid on the front of the radiator give the amount that is pouring out by the radiator. there is clearly no leak in the crackcase nor the smaller cooler in front of the main radiator. But there leak is pouring at a rate of about 1 quart in 10 minutes.

MikePA · Feb 26, 2011

What model New Holland?

jinman · Feb 27, 2011

Along with MikePA's question, smell the fluid and compare it to hydraulic fluid and engine oil to determine what it is. My guess is the lines going to the transmission cooler have a fitting loose or a hole and it is hydraulic fluid. The only other non-engine oil in that area is the power steering. Check all lines and fittings. It probably looks like it is coming from the radiator but is probably not.

dletourneau3 · Feb 27, 2011

It is a New Holland TC29D with 600 hours

MikePA · Feb 27, 2011

The old Class II Boomers (25, 29 and 33) are known for the hydro hoses at the hydro cooler leaking. If yours still has the rubber elbow hoses shaped like the letter 'L', they will crack and leak when under pressure. Been there, done that. NH came out with a kit to replace the rubber elbows with straight hoses. However, to be able to use straight hoses, requires changing the metal lines back to the filter.

Click Here for an old thread which includes the part numbers

jmatarese · Feb 27, 2011

had same problem replaced rubber elbows still had seeping problems replaced clamps 3 times before replacing them with saab hose clamps from the dealer i worked at .they were much more heavy duty and never leaked again.this was a poor design on nh's part
watch to see how much they balloon when you start the tractor ,scary.

MikePA · Feb 27, 2011

jmatarese said:
watch to see how much they balloon when you start the tractor ,scary.

Scary is right. The first time, I replaced them with new hoses and bought 2 extra ones. I never had an issue with the clamps, it was always the hoses leaking. Then I bought the kit.