DK40 Hydraulic Leak

[bullshipper99]

I have a DK40, less than 2 years old, 110 hours. Been a great tractor.
Noticed when I was opening a gate that the tractor had a drip under it while idling. Found fluid dripping from the starter, on the left side (left side when sitting on tractor). Only a few drops, finished chore, checked fluid level-OK.
Next time lots of fluid coming off right side, enough to pool on ground and leave a trail behind tractor. Fluid was visable on top of the bottom portion of the front end loader support arm on the right side.

I CANNOT FIND THE LEAK!

Tractor still under warrenty, took to a local dealer who I do not know, and it was a week before he could get to it.
Been 2 weeks in his shop, he can't find the leak, said he was going to have to open up the tractor, but was waiting to hear back from Kioti. Called him back and he said Kioti says nothing internal to cause leak, no need to split tractor, gave him other clues to look for leak, should have something to tell me after that evening.
3 days later, I call and his girl says she spoke with him, still can't find leak, and he thinks he needs to open up the tractor.

HELP!!

I think there may be something under the dash, maybe steering, that is leaking. Kioti manual very crptic in service schedule refers to "check hydraulic fuel pipe for tightness" at the 50 and 100 hour intervals, but does not show where or how.

Bill /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[depratt_equip]

I see no need why the tractor would need split, as Kioti said there is nothing that would cause the leak that would need it to be split to fixed. Do you know if it was hyd oil or engine oil?

I believe there is an oil pressure switch on the LH side above the starter. You might check that. Let me know what kind of oil you see and i might be able to come up with some other ideas.

 

[bullshipper99]

No question it is hydraulic fluid, not oil.
I know where the pressure switch is located, and the area is clear.
My gut is telling me the leak is from higher up, and I only see where it is dripping off the tractor.

Thanks for the reply!
This is not my first tractor, I've had: an 8N, a Ford 3000(gas) a case (Diesel) and still have a 1946 Farmall H. Do all my own maint. but the DK40 still has 3 years warrenty.

 

[depratt_equip]

Could the leak be coming from out of the starter? I would take the drain plug out of the clutch housing to verify that a transmission seal is not leaking. I have seen some other tractors have the clutch housing fill with fluid but have no clutch problems.

 

[bncsauve]

Any chance there is a pin hole in one of the hoses that shoots a stream to the spot you are seeing? Might want to check with a piece of paper. Don't use your hand.

 

[bullshipper99]

Two Good suggestions.

I am going by the dealer on the way home today and will check what happens when the drain plug is removed.

Learned a long time ago watching a young mechanic blast part of his finger off about how NOT to check any high pressure hose for leaks!

 

[bullshipper99]

John,

You were right to suggest to try removing the clutch drain plug. I was tired of checking by phone on my tractor so when I went by this PM I was able to speak to the mechanic. He had already pulled the plug and drained close to a gallon of fluid!
It appears that there is a bad seal/leak that will require the tractor to be opened up. The dealer had already contacted Kioti and said they had approved the repairs to include clutch replacement. The dealer said the dry clucth would be shot in no time without replacement after being filled with oil.
Good news is: Found source of leak.
The bad news is: tractor needs to be split, cause of fluid entering clutch found, parts ordered, 4th of July holiday coming up....I think I should plan on no tractor for another 10 days or so.

BTW- I live in Virginia and bought the tractor from Rivera's Machinery in Donna, TX. http://www.riverasmachinery.com/

I got the tractor, FEL, quick attach bucket, bale spear, 6' Bush Hog, 6" Box blade and an 18' trailer for less than 21K in 2003. Shipping was close to a grand. I would recomend this dealer to anyone who wants a great deal. I just wish they were in Virginia!
Thanks for all the help!

Bill

 

[psuedofarmer]

<font color="blue"> Good news is: Found source of leak. </font>

good news part II: jon depratt diagnoses problem while sitting behind computer screen.

pf

 

[Donnyj]

Can't beat a man at his own game. Good job Jon!!

 

[depratt_equip]

Thanks Guys! Just glad to help... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif