Oil & Fuel GC2410 Filter/Fluid Refresh, Questions..

[MF RED in MT]

When refilling the hydro/trans, I watch the "oil level window" as I am pouring in the last ( 2.9 US Gals. ) qt. of transmission oil, and end my filling when the level is half way in the window.

My Operators Manual says it is important to make sure your 3 point hitch is fully lowered before draining the transmission oil.

If you are really worried about the level of transmission oil, it would not be a major project to add/drain the oil until you are positive there is oil showing half way in the sight window.

KC

 

[ray66v]

A google search of the oil filter, only shows them with a white canister, and the MF dark grey. Thankfully, you have the box.

It doesn't make sense to fill the oil to the "rated capacity", and declare it filled, when the window is clearly showing you it is not full. What would be the point of the window then?

 

[cdaigle430]

Yeah I always make sure the window level is at least half full after changing the hydro. I also always write the hours and date I change the filters on the filter to help keep track.
I am do for the change this year (250 hours)

 

[mgstevens]

Thanks for the opinions. Someone mentioned that overfilling could be worse than underfilling, and that has me concerned about adding. On the manual's remark to lower the 3-pt before changing the oil: I tried to do that to no avail. The control when put "down" did not alter anything in the 3-pt area. In fact, by all appearances, the 3-pt has never been used on this tractor.

 

[DMW]

Your fluid level was in the sight glass prior to the oil change? Approx. 10L of oil was drained. 11L of oil was added. Cylinders on the FEL extended during this, increasing the volume of oil in the sight glass when retracted.

It may appear empty, but it only takes a liter to go from empty to completely full. The clear oil can be very deceptive when looking at it.

 

[mgstevens]

After purchase and the [[shudder]] I removed the backhoe, saw no oil in the sight glass and added a "few" (2-3) liters before it came up in the sight glass. That oil was darker than this new oil and was easy to notice in the glass. I just spoke to the dealer tech, who also was unclear... He suggested adding a liter or so to see if it comes up, agreeing that this UDT is so light in color that it is hard to see in the glass.

One would think that with the mfg-specified amount in the transmission, running would be safe to do regardless of the level at the sight glass. I wish this were not a judgement call... I prefer to know one way or the other.

 

[DMW]

You might be overthinking it. All you're doing is filling a sump. If it is over the fill line, it may send excess fluid out the breather valve, or hydro drain hose, depending on the angle the tractor is on. More likely to happen when on a slope. Short video I've posted before, shows the relationship between reservoir capacity, fluid level and the breather valve (that's the fill plug on the GCs). You are not going to damage any internals AFAIK.

 

[mgstevens]

You might be overthinking it.

Hey! I resemble that remark!:scratchchin: Although I have found that if you thoroughly consider everything, and stay short of anxiety, you'll succeed at far more things than you'll fail at.

Seeing as I got the machine needing more fluid than it should, I do want to make sure I'm restoring the maintenance items to the right operating conditions before I start working the machine. Once I have more experience with this tractor, I'm sure I'll relax, but right now, it's about getting it as right as I can.

The video was instructive, as I know very little about hydraulics. Folks talk about adding oil until it is seen and draining it if too much, but... well, I guess I was hoping it would be more straightforward. (ie: The amount listed as capacity would show as the half-way point in the window..:no

If the symptom of overfull is it coming out of the breather/fill tube, and no danger of damage internally (although some have described foaming, overpressure..) then I can add without too much worry.

Thanks.

 

[DMW]

Just curious, have you operated the tractor since the fluid change?

 

[mgstevens]

Just curious, have you operated the tractor since the fluid change?

Yes, but not much, and not for any real work, just a shakedown, during which it operated nicely. No backhoe on yet. Wanted to get the fluid level right before re-attaching the BH.