air hissing sound rt side of engine (ck20s)

wade simpson · Aug 2, 2011

I was using the tractor yestersday and suddenly noticed a hissing sound from the lower front right of the tractor. I thought it was the front tire at first but nothing was wrong there. I looked all over the area and couldn't see anything obviously wrong or feel any air blowing anywhere I could reach. I thought perhaps its the air intake. Everything looks alright and the sound seemed to becomeing from low, near the bottom of the motor. Everything seems to work fine, hydraulics and engine. No oil evident anywhere. Any ideas?

Egon · Aug 2, 2011

Keep looking. Tape a piece of paper to a stick for the unreachable places.

Think Exhaust gasket???

Zxyrthe · Aug 3, 2011

Maybe the radiator has a small leak? Did the hissing continue after you shut the motor off?

I like the paper on a stick idea. If it's hydraulic fluid, you don't want that injected under your skin.

Highbeam · Aug 3, 2011

The hydro pump is on the lower right side of the engine on my CK30. Right above the passenger side front tire. That pump can whine under certain conditions. Check fluid level.

wade simpson · Aug 3, 2011

The sound stops as soon as I shut the machine down. Is it possible that the hydraulics could make a hissing sound if the fluid was being restricted? I've worked with hydraulics some but never heard it sound like escaping gas/air.

I'll check the radiator but I didn't see any steam or vapor escaping.

I don't think it's a liquid blowing out anywhere as I don't see any fluid dripping at all.

I'm truly stumped. I'll have to really get in there while it's running and locate the source of the sound next time I'm up there..my luck, I'll never hear it again but not knowing wil bug me till I figure it out.

Mike Gibson · Aug 4, 2011

If your CK20 has a breather tube where is the outlet located? Just a thought.

wade simpson · Aug 4, 2011

Which outlet ?

Coyote machine · Aug 6, 2011

Since there is no fluid leak that probably eliminates the radiator, but I'd take of the cap and re-tighten it to see if it is seated properly. Could it be a squeal from the alternator belt or the windings of the alternator itself as it turns, sounding like a hiss of air? Sometimes engine related noises are masked by what they bounce off of and seem to be coming from one place when in fact they're coming from another. Try sticking a funnel into a 1" or greater diameter hose of some length to allow you to use as a homemade stethoscope, and move it around with the funnel to your ear and see if you can locate the sound source.

wade simpson · Aug 8, 2011

Good idea, I give that a try. It's odd that I can't locate it easily as I can easily hear it over the engine running and know what area its in. I'll chase it down next weekend.