Engine Oil Leak

atwood · Nov 15, 2005

Well...I have about 6 hours on the new PT 425 and really like the machine alot. But...after using the Power Trac for about 2 hours cutting and mulching leaves on Sunday I noticed oil coming out of the rear end of the machine. After further inspection I see that engine oil is leaking out of the hoses that attach to the oil cooler on the Robins /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. The hose clamps were loose on both ends and very difficult to get to. I managed to get both tight and thought that was it. A friend of mine who is interested in a 1430 stopped by and wanted a tour/demo. He used it for about 1/2 hour and again I noticed another puddle of oil. Another hose clamp was loose and fortunately a little easier to tighten this time. The engine was about a half quart low and of course most of lay in the bottom of the engine compartment. I have read in this forum that QC is a little spotty but it really hits home when it's your machine. Should I call PT and tell them about this or is it a waste of time? Anyone with similar experiences or tips on problems to look for? Thanks in advance for your help.

tracdoc · Nov 15, 2005

I also found two loose hose clamps on hoses going to oil cooler on my 425 within the first 10 hours of use. They were buggers to get to, but I managed, using a small side ratcheting screwdriver, to loosen them up enough to turn the clamps so that the screws would be accessible with a long screwdrive through the rear tub slots. I simply chalked it up to a normal shakedown event, and it has not recurred.

I think the first 25+/- hours on a machine are pretty rough, no matter how stringent the manufacturer's QC is. Sounds like you're keeping an eye on things, and that's good especially early on. I had a wheel motor hose spring a pinhole leak at ~20 hrs. Freaky thing was that the leaking hydraulic oil was squirting through one of the drain holes in the tub, so I didn't see it right off. I only noticed it as neat thin "rows of oil" like I was planting it on my lawn. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Grass turned brown in thin rows, making for a nice striping effect that lasted for a few weeks.

Just remember the M & M rule: If it's Mechanical, Murphy rules.

stray · Nov 16, 2005

( Should I call PT and tell them about this or is it a waste of time? )

I maybe I'm fooling myself but I sometimes like to think that Power-trac regularly reads this forum. If they don't there sure missing out on a lot of customer feed back!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Barryh · Nov 16, 2005

So far I have been pretty lucky. These machines do seem to have a few QC issues. So far I have a seat that was not welded on straight and my steering has a lot of slop. I still need to get out there, and pop it off. Feels like the taper pin does not line up with the steering shaft hole. Glad you caught your problems early on.

I just figure these are not dealer supported machines and I knew it would be up to me to fix it when something went wrong. That said being they sell with no dealer support you would think that QC would be a main priority.

toolz_not_toyz · Nov 16, 2005

( That said being they sell with no dealer support you would think that QC would be a main priority.
)

Typically, if your business model is to sell factory direct you try to do three things: 1) ensure that QC is top notch to minimize problems after delivery; 2) include comprehensive operator and (especially) troubleshooting documentation to help address problems after 1); and 3) offer top notch telephone or online technical support when 1 leads to 2 and 2 doesn't help fix the problem.

I'm not sure PT does any of these things based on what I've read in this forum: QC is iffy; manuals are concise (for lack of a better term); and technical support is handled by one person that won't call you but you have to keep on calling him. Then again, this is also the company that routinely accepts orders in the 5 digits without issuing receipts for payment. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I think the thing with PT is that they are really working hard to make sure that they don't grow too quickly any time soon. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Since business success is largely based on speed of growth, I must say it's a weird business model. But they also have a niche market so they can get away with it for now.

Barryh · Nov 16, 2005

Power Trac, does have a great product. There are better ways to grow your business slow, but sacrificing quality control is not one of them. I totally agree with that model. You should submit your resume to Power Trac. They could learn a few things from you. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

JackRobin · Nov 16, 2005

What are you guys talking about?!?!?!? Robin engines leaking oil? NEVER!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Barryh · Nov 16, 2005

Jack,

it is nice to see you checking in on the forum from time to time. Shows a genuine concern, and support for your products. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Marks481 · Nov 16, 2005

( technical support is handled by one person that won't call you but you have to keep on calling him. Then again, this is also the company that routinely accepts orders in the 5 digits without issuing receipts for payment. )

I have absolutely no complaints about the technical support. Terry obviously knows his machines inside and out, and can diagnose a problem quickly. PT has sent me a replacement spool valve free, and offerred to replace the teeth on my backhoe free when I broke a couple.

I got a receipt for my machine. Did they tell you that they won't issue one?

Gravy · Nov 17, 2005

Jack,

Sounds like somebody needs to talk to the hose clamp tightening department. This makes 3 on this forum that I know of (including mine). Fortunately, we all caught them in time!

Gravy