Branson 3510 Hydraulic transmission fluid leak around site glass

[mike0000]

Hey guys,

I am Seeking sealant recommendations, my Branson 3510 was leaking around the fluid level site glass (rear of tractor).
I parked the tractor on a downhill slope to get all fluid away from the site glass. I pried the site glass out by using a knife around the edge. I cleaned the opening at the tractor and then cleaned the removed site glass (it is made from plastic) I resealed and reinstalled using Permatex ultra black gasket maker. I let that dry for 24 hrs. I used the tractor for several hours over the following two days, I thought it was fixed due to no more fluid leaking from around the site glass. That was about a week ago, today I noticed the leak has returned, although not yet as bad as the initial leak. The site glass is a press in (not threaded), has anyone gone through this and found a better sealant than the type I used?

Thanks, Mike

 

[K5lwq]

I was going to suggest Ultra Gray. Not sure if it would work better than the Black.

 

[52wej]

I had the same problem on my 2004 Century 2535/Branson 3510. Repaired it the same way you did. It held for a few months before seeping again. The quantity lost is just sufficient to attract dust. I tend to lose more fluid connecting and disconnecting the rear hydraulic lines one time than has has ever seeped out. I plan to leave well enough alone for now. W. Jones

 

[Superflea]

I am having the same problem on my 2910i Branson. At least now I know I can pry it out. Any other suggestions as far as sealent?

 

[mike0000]

I haven’t gotten it to completely seal, like 52wej I got it down to a wet spot that attracts dust. I also discovered mine had a recess for an o-ring. I guess the first time I tried the repair I didn’t clean close enough to the raised lip to find the recess.
closest o ring I could find from Ace hardware was a bit thick.

If you can park the tractor nose down on a decent slope the fluid will be forward enough that it doesn’t leak out on you when you remove the site glass.

Mike

 

[Superflea]

I haven’t gotten it to completely seal, like 52wej I got it down to a wet spot that attracts dust. I also discovered mine had a recess for an o-ring. I guess the first time I tried the repair I didn’t clean close enough to the raised lip to find the recess.
closest o ring I could find from Ace hardware was a bit thick.

If you can park the tractor nose down on a decent slope the fluid will be forward enough that it doesn’t leak out on you when you remove the site glass.

Mike

You probably know this but O-rings need to be specifically for Hydraulic use. I THINK the term is nitrile o-rings. Ihope somebody can confirm this.

 

[52wej]

And it still is a good wet seeping spot maybe leaking a teaspoon a month? I may fool with it at some point in the future, but it is not that big of an issue after 1600+ hours. The clutch is the item I am watching. W Jones