D170 - extending K46 transmission life?

[Kr4sh]

I know this is an older thread. I wanted to share my solution for modifying the K46 so you can change the oil without having to take the transaxle off your mower: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd1vGGfDybyGtF_MG0fJscUE2pO8VWHN0

Basically: drilling drain plugs and converting the vent hole to an external expansion tank. Filling is accomplished by pumping oil in through a drain plug hole until it starts showing up in the expansion tank. Then temporarily block the vent cap on the tank to create a fluid lock so you can unscrew the pump and put the drain plug back in without all the oil draining out. The pump I use is a cheap lower unit pump that is typically used on outboard motors.

 

[bmg88201]

That was a lot of work in doing that but it was done well. It takes me about 3 hours to pull my tranny, drain it, fill it and install it. I do that about every 200 hours or so, which amounts to every other Fall.

 

[LouNY]

I know this is an older thread. I wanted to share my solution for modifying the K46 so you can change the oil without having to take the transaxle off your mower: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd1vGGfDybyGtF_MG0fJscUE2pO8VWHN0

Basically: drilling drain plugs and converting the vent hole to an external expansion tank. Filling is accomplished by pumping oil in through a drain plug hole until it starts showing up in the expansion tank. Then temporarily block the vent cap on the tank to create a fluid lock so you can unscrew the pump and put the drain plug back in without all the oil draining out. The pump I use is a cheap lower unit pump that is typically used on outboard motors.

Interesting video, and a nice job done. I only watched the 2nd video as I not concerned about a tuff torque transmission at this time.
I did have to pull, flush and refill one in a JD lawn tractor as It wasn't pulling real good. Drained flushed and refilled with 20W-50 synthectic and still use it a couple of times a year for trimming or rough areas were I don't want to put my F2000 or it wont fit.

 

[Kr4sh]

That was a lot of work in doing that but it was done well. It takes me about 3 hours to pull my tranny, drain it, fill it and install it. I do that about every 200 hours or so, which amounts to every other Fall.

Thanks! Yeah it was a lot of work. I like doing one time stuff like that. The thought of pulling the trans off as part of regular maintenance pains me. My trans failed at 130-140 hours. So I want to try changing the oil every year when I change the engine oil. I’m hoping that combined with using synthetic oil will keep the trans alive this time.