3830 Front Axle Fluid Change - help

[Yooper3830]

I've got a 3830HST 4WD and I just got (mostly) done with my 50 hr initial service. The only real confusing thing concerns the front axle fluid change.

I had the tractor parked outside on fairly level ground with all 4 tires on the ground. I removed the fill port to vent the axle and removed the drain plug and put a small funnel under the draining fluid. It drained in perhaps a 3/8" diameter stream for several minutes and then reduced to about a steady 1/8" trickle down the axle. Since I was draining it into a 1 gallon jug (capacity of axle is supposedly about 6.4 quarts) (1 1/2 gallons), I plugged the drain with my thumb and dumped the oil (I would guess about 3 quarts) in a bucket and let it drain again. I pulled the drain plug on the other side and, for a shorter time (understandably) I got the 3/8" stream and then it slowed to a trickle. I would guess I got at least 1 gallon of fluid out of the axle (combining both sides). When I went to refill it, I removed the check plug and started filling. I only got about 2 quarts in when it started flowing out of the check whole. I'm confused - at least 1 gallon out but it's "full" after only 1/2 gallon back in.

It is possible to pour the oil in too fast and it flows out the check hole even when the axle isn't full? I tried pouring very slowly and it still came out the check hole.

Now I'm second guessing myself... did I only get a 1/2 gallon out? If so, I guess I need to redrain it.

My freind has a 4330 and he said he let his drain for 3 days and it still trickled out. My dealer told me to just worry about getting most of it out of there so I only let each side drain for about 10 minutes.

Sorry so long - I'm confused - any suggestions or tricks?

 

[penokee]

Had same problem - will try to post thread from a few days ago.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Having few problems posting a thread (meaning I don't know how /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Go back to 9-12-05, same forum: (L3130 HST 4WD question)

Will have to learn how to do this in a simpler way /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[_RaT_]

It does take time for the oil to flow to all points in the axle. Are you using gear oil or hydraulic oil? I use hydraulic oil and find that delay is minimal. It also drains out much faster especially when warm. I always drain the axle after using the tractor for a few hours. I also lift the front axle off the ground with the loader and tilt the axle one way or the other depending on which plug is out. The axle is really quite simple to to do but I understand your confusion.

 

[Yooper3830]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm using UDT fluid. I wasn't seeing how lifting the tires off the ground would help but now I see how tilting the axles side to side would help.

I'll look for the 9/12 post as well.