Getting to the Drain Plug on my 4500

ArizScott · Feb 26, 2004

I have read many of the previous post pertaining to the process of changing the oil. I haven't heard anyone speak of removing the protective shaft cover to get to the drain plug. I have looked through the manual... but it doen't show anything on the bottom of the tractor. I am approching 25 hours on my tractor and as a lot of you have said, it's a good idea to change the oil early. So my question....is it necessary to remove that shaft cover to remove the drain plug.... it looks like if you leave it on, you will have oil all over that cover?? I hope this makes since. let me /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gifknow...Scott /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

BobG_in_VA · Feb 26, 2004

Not necessary to take off the sheild but truely advisable. I've changed the oil both ways. Will always remove the shield from now on. Also be carefull when you change out the oil filter! It should come off the first time relatively easy. DO NOT overtighten the new one you put on! Note the two coolant lines running to the oil cooler (just above the filter). This will rotate with the filter if you overtighten the new filter. BobG in VA

Y2KF250PSD · Feb 26, 2004

Hey Bob,

Did you ever get that old filter off? Did you try it with the engine warmed up?

Chuck

ArizScott · Feb 26, 2004

Thanks for the great advice /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif....I had no problems removing the drain plug, no problem taking off the old oil filter. I made sure I didn't over torque the filter.... Now what about adding oil to this thing.... I removed the breater, as well as the dip stick... as stated in other posts. I began putting the oil in through the breather opening.....Keep in mind it was 75 degrees in Phoenix today... so the oil wasn't all that thick... So is this just the way it is or am I doing something wrong.... Just to give you an idea... It took me 15 mins to get one gallon into the engine....I stopped so I could ask you guys if this is normal... or what /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gifThanks for the help...Scott

Chet · Feb 27, 2004

I filled mine through the dipstick hole with a real long funnel with the breather cap off. Went pretty quick. Ya'll got me worried now about the oil filter turning the upper housing above it!!!!!!!!Chet

Y2KF250PSD · Feb 27, 2004

My oil filter came right off, no big deal.

Hopefully Bob's is the exception.

Chuck

BobG_in_VA · Feb 28, 2004

Couple of things. I only had 30 hrs on the second oil filter so I haven't tried to get it off since we spoke about this a while ago. The filter that came on the tractor came off very easily. When I replaced it I spun it on with my hand and gave it a good tug once it snugged up. Won't do that again. I think I'll wait till warm weather and have it quite up to operating temp (maybe 4 or 5 acres of brush hogging prior to trying again).
I took about 10 minutes to get the 2 gallons in the breather. Since it will be 100 hrs till I do it again, that doesn't bother me. Boy, that muther is dirty right now. We have a foot or so of mud around my friend's house that's being built. We are currently backfilling around the foundation. It's getting a good workout. 80 hrs now. BobG in VA

Y2KF250PSD · Feb 28, 2004

Gotcha Bob,

I saw the pic in your other post, it is dirty. But man, these tractors do love to work!

Take Care,
Chuck

jwcinpk · Mar 2, 2004

Dealer is coming out to change my oil in a day or so since the 6000 now has 44 hrs on it, so I'm gonna watch him and see if there are any tricks to make it easier I can pass on.