Cripes - something blew

ElBubba · Aug 3, 2005

About an hour ago I went out and turned on the PT425 to let it warm up a minute before moving some dirt. Something smelled and I looked around and oh lordy.

I know what I'm going to be doing the next day or two. Luckily it happened in the carport rather than in the jungle and I caught it quick before any serious damage.

bbabineau · Aug 3, 2005

Are you keeping us in the dark or do you want us to guess what you are talking about?

ElBubba · Aug 3, 2005

OOPS

Inline Image Changed to Dial Up Friendly Link

beenthere · Aug 3, 2005

Still in the dark. Is it oil, or fuel, or water?

And from where did it 'blow' from?

Looks serious, and a bit like the Valdez 'blow'. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

PS And I thought we didn't put in-line photos up. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Great pic though /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Highridge · Aug 3, 2005

Oh man! Sorry about your troubles, I hope it is a simple fix.

Gatorboy · Aug 3, 2005

( Still in the dark. Is it oil, or fuel, or water? ) 

I'm not sure as well. Was it a smell from the garbage can? Did the vacuum blow? Perhaps this is a game of 20 questions.

SnowRidge · Aug 3, 2005

(water) 

Water???? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 (PS And I thought we didn't put in-line photos up.) 

Somebody forgot to tell Fourteen, wouldn't you say.....

That looks like oil. Don't know much about the Robin engine, but without more info, I'd guess hydraulic blow out somewhere. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Edit: Pic is labeled blown-hose. That may be a clue. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Highridge · Aug 3, 2005

Check this post - maybe a similar problem?
Robin Engine Blows Main Seal

ElBubba · Aug 3, 2005

Sorry for the ambiguity.

Its oil - hydraulic oil - the reservoir is noticeably down and the engine compartment is pretty well covered in oil (see attachment) although the radiator in back looks clean.

I looked quickly around the compartment but couldn't see any damaged or loose hoses. I'll have to wait until tomorrow to figure out exactly what happened.

This is definitely bad timing; we're having a garage built right next to the carport which is going to be ripped out soon. The asphalt of the carport is going to be resurfaced and will serve as the entry to the garage.

ElBubba · Aug 3, 2005

An earlier shot of the area from a few days ago to give an idea why this is not a good spot for the P425 to be sitting.

ElBubba · Aug 3, 2005

Try again

KentT · Aug 3, 2005

I suggest that you pull the spark plug wires on the engine (so it won't start running), and have someone crank it over for a few seconds while you look for the leak... similar to the procedure used to bleed the system after a filter change. But, you don't need to use the bypass hose....

cqaigy · Aug 3, 2005

PS And I thought we didn't put in-line photos up.
Great pic though

I usually don't get any of the "in-line" photos cause my browser settings.

Gatorboy · Aug 4, 2005

( I usually don't get any of the "in-line" photos cause my browser settings. ) 

Which means you do not display ANY .jpg or .gif image on any web page. Boy, what a world you are missing.

MuncyBob · Aug 4, 2005

Well, if you're like me and have been putting off cleaning the engine area...looks like your time has come!! Can't seem to download that last attachment though....hope it's a cheap& quick fix!

MuncyBob · Aug 4, 2005

ooops, there's a page 2...and now I see it.

BobRip · Aug 4, 2005

( I suggest that you pull the spark plug wires on the engine (so it won't start running), and have someone crank it over for a few seconds while you look for the leak... similar to the procedure used to bleed the system after a filter change. But, you don't need to use the bypass hose.... )

I agree, looks like a good check. It may be just a loose fitting.

Bob Rip

ElBubba · Aug 7, 2005

I probably should start a new topic for this question but its related to the blown hose problem.

When the hose blew (turns out its to left rear wheel motor) the PT425 was parked with wheels at a pretty fair angle. I'd like to push it out of the way but unless I can turn the wheels I'll just go in circles.

Anybody have advice on turning wheels without hydraulics?

KentT · Aug 7, 2005

Put your bucket down firmly to stabilize the front of the tractor...

If you can safely get both rear wheels jacked up off the ground with a LARGE floor jack with wheels, placed in the center of the tractor, and going in from the side, you likely can:

1. Lock the parking brake so the front wheels don't move,

2. Gently, but firmly push the rear end back in a straight line so it is not articulated. You should be able to compress one steering cylinder and extend the other, by pushing -- with no builtup pressure in the hydraulic system...

Note that you need to hook up the bypass hose before you try to push the PT and have the wheelmotors turn...

SnowRidge · Aug 7, 2005

(Anybody have advice on turning wheels without hydraulics?) 

When I had to pull my engine, I faced that same problem. I just disconnected the steering rams at the front end and let them dangle. With that done it's fairly easy to horse the machine around, as long as you have the drive in bypass mode, of course. I mainly pulled and pushed on the ROPS uprights.

I did this in my shop on a concrete floor. I don't know how it would work on dirt or gravel.

Edit: No jacks or or anything else are required. Just put it in bypass and disconnect the rams.