Saw a tan , light brownish stain around my fel valve, plus it was feeling just a bit sticky. 16 hours on my G3038H. Cut the plastic tie holding the bottom of the shift boot. Boot was fine, no cuts and was sealing fine. Looks like someone left about 38 yards of Mississippi river bottom in there. Still can't figure where all the muck came from on a new tractor. Took about an hour of using small assorted brushes and marvel mystery oil as cleaner. It was like sand in the bottom and around the valve. Lots of it. After a good cleaning and re securing the rubber boot, I checked the lines where attached to the valve and was amazed they were not leaking, very loose. Have had 2 kubota tractors and they were very fine and am sure liking the LS.
Glad I checked this
- Thread starter goneblue
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oosik
Epic Contributor
I have a wild idea. It sounds like the valve/boot/FEL joy stick as an assembled unit might have gone thru a flood prior to being installed. I've seen this once - when a river overflowed its banks and flooded a city. Hundreds of vehicles were flooded - silt, mud & sand got everywhere in those vehicles. Its difficult to believe this might have happened and not been noticed. Otherwise, I would be at a loss to explain. This was a new tractor - purchased from a dealer???
You could be right on the flood. The rust and sand I found in and around this valve had to come from something like that. Just no way brand new from a LS dealer could it be like that. If anyone with the 3038 series sees a tan looking stain around your valve, check it out. maybe that was a fish eye i pulled out of there.
mfreund
Veteran Member
I would look over all of it carefully. If I found anything else, I would demand my money back.
I have been over every inch of the tractor checking for loose fittings, etc. and I am quite certain the tractor was never in a flood, but the valve as a stand alone part, could have been in a case somewhere that was exposed to water and sand. who knows, but it cleaned up fine and the tractor great. no regrets buying the LS.
oosik
Epic Contributor
goneblue - That is great. You would have noticed something if it had been flooded. At least now you have an improved familiarity with the tractor. Hope you didn't bang your head too often checking those tight places. Have a good day.