TC33DA hydraulic leak - how expensive will this be?

[adlertom]

I noticed some seepage on the underside of my TC33DA. Photo attached. The top left bolt shown in the photo was slightly loose, and I tightened it by about 1/8 of a turn. The other bolts (at least the ones that I can see and get to) are all tight. Tightening this bolt reduced, but did not eliminate the leak.

Hydraulic fluid level is OK, and I think I noticed it early. I don't seem be losing very much fluid fortunately.

I assume that there is a seal between these two housing sections? If so, is that the likely issue? It looks like it would be a big job to take all of that apart.

The tractor is 20 years old, so maybe these sorts of things are going to start happening. Only about 650 hours however.

 

[TractorTech]

No gasket between the housings. Originally used sealant when bolted together. If all the other bolts are tight, then chances are it will keep seeping.
The tractor would have to be split there, sealant applied and the halves bolted back.

Clean that area up with parts cleaner or starting fluid and keep an eye on the leak. May be you caught it or it is something else.

 

[RjCorazza]

Definitely clean it up real good and keep an eye on it as @TractorTech suggests. I would be VERY suspicious of the banjo bolt connector nearby.

 

[LHF2019]

Good advise on above. Keep it clean and check regularly. Want to go a step further to pinpoint add an additive to hydraulic oil so you can black light it.

Had a similar situation on my NH but when new. Leaked slightly in a banjo connection area. Cleaned, replaced seals, cleaned up mating surfaces. Did everything. Then went the last step and replaced the line. Turns out that was the issue and had I somehow done something different when I first noticed the leak the parts could have been under warranty but because it was new it couldn't be the line, it had to be the connection.

 

[adlertom]

Definitely clean it up real good and keep an eye on it as @TractorTech suggests. I would be VERY suspicious of the banjo bolt connector nearby.

I'm not familiar with how banjo bolt connectors work - just read about them however. Pretty neat.

Could I try tightening that, or is there a torque limit or risk of damage that I would need to be cautious about?

 

[TractorTech]

A banjo bolt is essentially a hollow bolt with a hole drilled across the diameter to allow oil flow through it. Copper crush washers, typically, seal either side of the banjo. Nicks in the sealing surface of the banjo or bolt will allow oil to leak and the washer can't seal.

The bolt can be broken from overtorqueing, so be careful tightening it. "Tighten" the bolt to see ifvit is loose. Otherwise, you can remove the bolt to inspect the washers or banjo for nicks.

Lastly, order the washers and replace to see if the leak goes away

 

[newbury]

Can you determine the rate of fluid loss?
How much per hour operating/non-operating?

 

[adlertom]

Can you determine the rate of fluid loss?
How much per hour operating/non-operating?

I've never see it actively "drip" and the hydraulic fluid reservoir dipstick shows full. It's more of a seepage.

I suspect that it might only be seeping during operation, and that it doesn't actively seep when the tractor is off/parked.

 

[TractorTech]

I've never see it actively "drip" and the hydraulic fluid reservoir dipstick shows full. It's more of a seepage.

I suspect that it might only be seeping during operation, and that it doesn't actively seep when the tractor is off/parked.

I always say that hydraulic oil is like blood; a little makes a big mess!

 

[DieselMonk]

If it is just sweating and not dripping, I wouldn’t mess with it after tightening bolts.