Fluid Level/Changes on JD4600 MFWD

[rmonio]

Folks -

I'm not at my hourly change point for the fluid in the MFWD (will be shortly though) - however, I'm wondering how to best verify fluid level and add if necessary. The way the plug w/stick works to verify fluid level isn't that good and I'm having a hard time reading the level (a screw driver works better). If I need to add, what's a good rule of thumb with this? Also - what about reading the level if the stick doesn't work well?

I asked the technician at the dealer once about it and he said not to worry. He said as long as there was a reasonable fluid level, you were ok - but I figured I'd ask the folks here either way.

Thanks!

-Bob

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I asked the technician at the dealer once about it and he said not to worry. He said as long as there was a reasonable fluid level, you were ok )</font>

Bob, do your front axle or wheels have fluid leaking? When you say the "stick doesn't work well" do you mean you can't see the fluid on it? Can you mark your screwdriver so you can duplicate the depth of the dipstick?

I'd have to agree with the tech at your dealership on the MFWD axle, but you do need to know what you are looking at. You don't want to overfill, because the fluid has to expand when it heats up. If there is no air in the front differential, the fluid will blow out a seal.

On your engine, the dipstick doesn't say "ADD" until you are about a quart low. I think your front axle doesn't have to be topped off, but it should not go below the "LOW" mark on your dipstick. You just have to use your best judgement on where the level is.

 

[normde2001]

What is preventing your dipstick from "working well"? If the correct lube is used it should be heavy enough to be easily readible.

 

[rmonio]

I've moved this discussion over to the Parts/Repair Forum - however, I think I'll ask Bird to move it over here. Here's the link to the current discussion:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Board/parts/Number/541760/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o//fpart/1

Thanks!

-Bob

 

[rmonio]

It is the correct fluid - however, the 4600's MFWD dipstick is not a good design (even the technicians agree) and it is hard to read. After adding some fluid this evening (2 oz's), I'm thinking the fluid was just low and should have been topped off. I'll have to check it again tomorrow.

-Bob

 

[rmonio]

I checked the fluid tonite before and after running the tractor for a while - it was about 1/4 of the way onto the dipstick measure (which is where I left it the night before). It didn't move up at all, nor did it go down, after running the tractor for a while and using the 4WD.

I think I'll leave it where it is and check it over with the JD Dealer to see what they say. It's not a problem - there's enough fluid in there (better than before) - I just think that JD could have done a better job with the measure (plus they use one of those caps that break easy if you take them off and on too many times - you know, the yellow one's with the two knobs sticking up that have to use a screwdriver on.. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif).

If anyone has any thoughts on this, I'd like to hear them - thanks for your help!

-Bob