I Just purchased a new 2018 GC1720. So far the tractor has performed flawlessly. I have about 10 hrs on the tach and decided I should look the tractor over for any issues. When I removed the fill cap for the transmission I was surprised to hear a good bit of pressure escape from the filler neck. The tractor had been sitting for a couple days, fluid was cold. The fluid level was just below the sight glass and there was no signs of leaks anywhere. I spoke to the dealer and asked if that was to be expected. I got somewhat of a non-answer but left the conversation with the impression that it was not normal. I looked all over the transmission for a vent but could not find one. The cap itself appeared to possibly be a vent. There is an observable hole in the plug with what appears to be a rubber baffle over it (See Pictures). There is a very small hole in the rim of the cap. I could not blow/suck air through the hole. Searched the internet and could not find any information on the vent design for the gear case. Closest I found to a vent issue was a gentleman who had his sight glass blow out.
I eventually gave up searching for info and took a 1/16 inch drill bit and carefully pushed the blunt end into the rim hole. I could feel it bottom out. Pushed slightly harder and felt the drill bit push through some thin
rubber. Now air passes through the cap and I no longer get pressure build up in the gear case.
Questions:
1) Did I have a bad cap or did I break a feature of the cap I shouldn't have?
2) Is there not any other vents on the Gear case? I would think that the change in gear oil volume as the hydraulics are actuated would necessitate more than a 1/16 inch breather hole.
I eventually gave up searching for info and took a 1/16 inch drill bit and carefully pushed the blunt end into the rim hole. I could feel it bottom out. Pushed slightly harder and felt the drill bit push through some thin
rubber. Now air passes through the cap and I no longer get pressure build up in the gear case.Questions:
1) Did I have a bad cap or did I break a feature of the cap I shouldn't have?
2) Is there not any other vents on the Gear case? I would think that the change in gear oil volume as the hydraulics are actuated would necessitate more than a 1/16 inch breather hole.