3206 Transmission Fluid (air bubbles)

RDA · Apr 26, 2010

I just replaced the transmission fluid and filter today and after I started the tractor up and re-checked the fluid level the fluid on the dip stick was all foamy, full of air bubbles. Is this normal? How do I get the air bubbles out? I didn't drive it at all after I saw this since I wasn't sure what to do about it.

OldMachinist · Apr 27, 2010

I looked at the operations manual for your unit and it doesn't say anything about doing a purging procedure after changing the hydrostatic oil but all the service manuals I've read for hydros say you need to do it.
Raise the rear tires off the ground, pull the bypass valve lever out and with engine running slowly cycle the transmission forward and reverse 5-6 times. Release the bypass lever and repeat the forward and reverse cycle 5-6 times. Stop the engine and check the oil level and add if needed. You may need to repeat the whole procedure several times until all the air is out of the system.

a1elcamino · Apr 27, 2010

This type of fluid aeration, called frothing is mostly from contamination possible due to the fluid change that was just performed. Was it the same type of fluid? Did you switch from conventional fluid to synthetic? Was there still old fluid left in it. All things being correct, It can also be due to the additives, or a lack of them in the new fluid (no manufacture will admit to it). Usually another fluid change will will correct this situation. first thing I would do is call whom ever you bought the fluid from, they may know if some one else had a problem with fluid frothing. Tony D.

P.S. After posting I see you did not drive it. You have to drive it at lest to fill all the passages, also not hard just nice and easy forward and reverse. Then recheck and seek proper level

JTKub · Apr 27, 2010

Don't sweat it RDA. If the unit sounds and performs normally after the oil and filter change, the air will work it's way out. If not, do the purge like OM suggested.

Joel

highboy1975 · Apr 27, 2010

thats exactly what mine did. my dealer told me to leave it sit for a day for all the bubbles to have time to float out then drive it. it seems to have worked since when i check the level now the fluid is fine. he said the bubbles need time to dissipate.

RDA · Apr 27, 2010

Thanks for the advise guys! I didn't get a chance to do anything with it today, but hopefully tomorrow I will have some time to monkey around with it.

OM - At first when I saw the air bubbles I thought about purging, but then I couldn't find anything in the manual either like you said so I was really confused.

A1Elcamino - I'm not sure what fluid was in there before, I bought this tractor from my grandpa about a year ago, it has 550 hours on it and I'm really not sure how much maintenance it got the last two or three years he had it. I just put the Drive System Fluid Plus Synthetic blend in it that the manual called for. Hopefully I don't have to change it out again cause that stuff is some expensive oil.

I love this forum! Just joined yesterday after reading some posts, very insightful. I'm sure I will be having more questions for everybody in the future.