GC2310 transaxle drain plug sizing

[pcwolf]

Could anyone please tell me what the thread is on the drain plug at the bottom of right rear axle housing?

I have decided it is size M12 but I have tried x1.0, x1.5, and x1.75 threads and none of them seem to snug up enough for a pressure seal. Four weeks wait at Jack's and none of my local dealers keep any stock. MF #4264726M1

Thanks
-Phil

 

[irvingj]

Boy, ya got me there! I just did a fluid change last week, but didn't pay attention... do you have a leak there or something?

 

[pcwolf]

Somehow misplaced the dang thing and out of commission until restocked at Jack's. Thought it would be easy to replace but no go. Dang sure I will measure the new one before installing though. Thanks for the comeback.

-Phil

 

[irvingj]

Bummer! I see where the parts manual gives no specs, just says "Plug". Real helpful. I do see where it doesn't use a copper or aluminum washer, either. Have you tried US threads? That's horrible to have to wait FOUR weeks for a plug!!

 

[DaleAP]

I had to clean my female drain threads up and took the plug somewhere. Gave me a tap that says G1/4 x 19. I lost the post it note that says the size of the plug threads but pretty sure it was British pipe threads- Tap fit perfect. GC2410

 

[pcwolf]

Thanks, Dale! Funny you should mention that ... if you do a Google search on 4264726M1 two of the very few hits are in the U.K. A British transaxle on Japanese tractor sold in the U.S.? Go figure!

In frustration, I started an expanding circle search, calling MF dealers further and further away. One fellow on the parts desk in Williamston, NC must have sensed a challenge because he kept me on the line and said he was checking on the parts locator. I did not know MF had such a thing. The fellow did not have any stock, but he said he found some inventory in Illinois, and one in Connecticut.

BIG THANK YOU to Big Boys Toys in Pomfret Center, CT!! Talked to them Tuesday, and Brown Santa supposed to deliver tomorrow. You can bet your bippy I am going to measure and spec that thing six ways from Sunday before I fill up with Rotella again.

Apparently, a place like Jack's that keeps little stock must have to wait on a slow boat from London for new orders. Original estimate started out May 2nd, and last order update slipped to May 21st. When it eventually gets here I will lock it up for a spare.

 

[irvingj]

Glad you found a replacement, and I will also be curious as to what you find vis-a-vis size/threads.

I think Jack's normally does carry good amount of stock, but that drain plug... bet that's the first time they ever had a request for it!

 

[Ran 2292]

Look in the bottom of your drain pan for the plug that is where I find them when they go missing. They slip out of your fingers when removed

 

[WranglerX]

Jacks, not to belittle him is just a reseller... He has parts drop shipped from any warehouse that has them available or shipped to him and he reships it seams....

Dale

 

[pcwolf]

I have got great service from Jack's the few times I ordered before. Did not mean at all to say the supply system is their fault.

Here is part which arrived today. Below is M12x1.25 plug from auto supply store which was closest I found. The MF part is definitely NOT M14, M12, or M10. When I returned the plug counter guy said "Looks like 1/2 x 20." Have not checked that yet but I'll be astonished if it turns out to be SAE and not Metric. Oh, well ... back in service now.

There is no crush washer for the axle housing. The threaded hole has a shoulder machined in to squish the O-ring.

 

[irvingj]

Thanks for that pic. Can't say as I ever noticed an o-ring on mine, the two times I've drained the transmission oil, but it doesn't leak so I guess it must be in there.

 

[pcwolf]

All my fluids replaced, and I got a few hours in the seat today. Yay!

Replacing the hydraulic tube filter on the suction intake was making me sweat though. I had read here TBN to be careful not to cross-thread the aluminum tube into the steel case. I really had a dickens of a time getting the O-rings, banjo housing, and filter lined up. Only about two threads in I could feel a great resistance. Since the service manual says to apply sealant when installing, I thought there might be old sealant in the case threads jamming things up. I tried cleaning them with a toothbrush soaked in diesel. Still fought me all the way in, but the wrench was turning smooth with a steady torque that felt like 15-20 pounds until the O-rings were squashed and banjo tight against the case. Never thought it would take that much force.

I used paste with PTFE. Hope that is the right choice.

-Phil

 

[exohomestead]

Page 27, Column 1, Paragraph 5 of my Operator Instruction Book for the GC2310 says, "All fasteners on this tractor are metric". Hmm.. well fasteners but maybe not plugs!