Help needed - leaking hydraulics issue

[ejtaylor822]

Hey guys,
Sorry for not getting back to everyone.

Was able to finally get the sump off last weekend and tear into it. Very interesting as will show in some following pics. Word to the wise for anyone else that is considering this: follow bluechip’s advice and use an engine hoist or a couple of big, strong friends. I was able to get it off myself, but, if it had been another 2 pounds heavier I couldn’t have budged it! That thing is a beast! Will post my hernia xrays. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Anyway, first pic is nothing exciting. Just the before and after seat removal. I was surprised how heavy the seat was. (4) bolts that go right into the case. The front (2) are simple to get out with a socket, back (2) take some effort with a wrench.

 

[ejtaylor822]

In this picture I had removed the 3PH piston cover. These bolts are on tight and took some real effort to get out. When I removed the cover and slid the piston back I noticed the little “flake” of rubber laying in the cylinder – clearer picture in the inset. At this point I was sure the problem was a trashed O-ring.

 

[ejtaylor822]

Shots of the O-ring. To me this does not look that bad. This is the worst of little “gouges”. Just could not see this causing a slow leak down. Was really hoping the O-ring was shredded – would be obvious and would not have to remove the sump.

So, it was off to remove the sump.

Question: should I go ahead and replace the O-ring? Leaning towards replacing, but, it means I have to wait on parts and really want to get her back together. However, I have no interest in doing this again and want to do it right.

 

[bluechip]

I would replace it. If you are having a problem with the 3 point not holding a load up, that would solve the problem. As I recall, and didn't re-read the entire thread, you are mysteriously losing hyd oil. what does the bottom of the lift box look like??

 

[ejtaylor822]

Hey Chip, Good morning. Had to stop and go have breakfast with my girls before I got all the pics up. Have some pics of the bottom. Believe the problem will become obvious. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

There was some questions around how the sump was mounted to the tranny. As you can see from the pic, the sump just bolts right to the top of the tranny.

Never wanted to see this sight but here it is.

 

[ejtaylor822]

Got the case on the hand truck and in the garage. Got it up and flipped over where I could do a good inspection of the bottom. It was sort of like what I imagined from the diagrams in the parts manual, but the plate was much smaller. Good news is that I could not find any cracks or holes in the bottom – primary concern having to replace the casing.

 

[ejtaylor822]

Next was to do a good inspection of where the plate mounts to the bottom of the case. This looks suspicious……

 

[ejtaylor822]

Now, I am not a master mechanic, but, I do think this could be my problem….

The hydraulic fluid was a slow leak. The level in the tranny was rising about a quarter inch every 12 hours. Believe this would allow a slow leak.

My concern though is where did this piece of gasket go? I am going to drain the tranny before I put the sump back on to see if I can find it. The other question is how did this get ripped and just fall out one day. What you see is exactly how I removed it from the case – it’s just gone.

 

[ejtaylor822]

Here's a couple of pics looking inside the case for those that are interested.

 

[ejtaylor822]

Pic 2