HST Fluid Level

[oldballs]

Hi TBN'ers,

In doing the Super UDT2 fluid change on my Kubota B2620, I added 3 3/4 gallons of the new fluid. The capacity calls for 4 gallons. Thinking that I could top it off later, that seemed like the way to go.

The Suction filter and the HST filter were replaced at this time. I let the two bolts drain over night. Having run it till warm, now, when I check the stick, the level is a couple inches over the running level on the stick.

My questions are: Can I run it for awhile at this overfill level without doing any damage? Will the fluid reading settle somewhat as I run it? Or should I just drain some of the new fluid down to the level on the cold stick? I kinda hate to drain some fluid and then starting adding fluid later as it settles.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[Blue14]

Hi TBN'ers,

In doing the Super UDT2 fluid change on my Kubota B2620, I added 3 3/4 gallons of the new fluid. The capacity calls for 4 gallons. Thinking that I could top it off later, that seemed like the way to go.

The Suction filter and the HST filter were replaced at this time. I let the two bolts drain over night. Having run it till warm, now, when I check the stick, the level is a couple inches over the running level on the stick.

My questions are: Can I run it for awhile at this overfill level without doing any damage? Will the fluid reading settle somewhat as I run it? Or should I just drain some of the new fluid down to the level on the cold stick? I kinda hate to drain some fluid and then starting adding fluid later as it settles.

Cheers,
Mike

Just a suggestion if you already have not done yet is raise and lower your loader and the rest of your hydraulics to get any air that might be trapped in the lines out and then check your fluid level.

Bob

 

[Fallon]

If it's a bit overfilled, the worst that usually happen is some comes out the vent hole. In theory you could get air trapped in there & cause a small pressure spike that could cause a seal to leak or blow out, but that's not likely. There is a lot of slack space in sumps to accommodate the level fluctuations as you raise & lower the loader or sell the other impliments.

 

[diesel85]

When I change my fluid and filter, I fill it to the middle of the dipstick. Start it and run it for about 1 minute at low rpm. Shut it off, check the dipstick, add as necessary. Then I start it, run it for 3 minutes and operate the 3pt and loader. Stop, then check, add accordingly. Then I start it again, run it on max rpm for about 15-20 minutes. Shut it down, and check it again, then add as necessary. Honestly, it's the most time consuming part of the whole process for me. But it's one of those things that needs some attention to detail and shouldn't be rushed.

As operating heavy equipment for a long time, I have gotten into the habit of checking oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid before starting.

 

[oldballs]

Thanks so much all. I did run it a couple times at various speeds, in various gears, in two wheel drive and with the FEL and 3pt exercised. I'm satisfied with your comments that no harm is done, but that I'll have to drain some down to the proper range on the stick.

BTW, it seems to me that the OE manual is a bit confusing as to how many drain bolts are involved. I just used the two 12 mm bolts on each side of the transmission.......not the bigger 17 mm bolt by the MMM spline. :thumbsup:

Cheers,
Mike

 

[100 td]

I haven't checked, but with a lot of tractors with a MMM there is a drain bolt at the low point of the PTO housing to drain the oil from there, if yours has it and it wasn't drained then that may make up for some additional oil in your tank.

 

[Fallon]

I haven't checked, but with a lot of tractors with a MMM there is a drain bolt at the low point of the PTO housing to drain the oil from there, if yours has it and it wasn't drained then that may make up for some additional oil in your tank.

Ya. On my Ls there is a drain in the middle AND drains out at the ends of the axle housing at the finals.

 

[TMGT]

You didn't get all the old oil out since you skipped the center drain plug, also remember you can never get all the oil out so your refill will most likely be a bit less then the 4 gal, also depend on position of the 3pt loader etc.

It's been awhile since I've done a service on the 2620 so I can't remember how much it took but I am due for a full service on mine.

 

[oldballs]

Yep, if I had tapped that center drain plug first, most of the oil would have drained strait down into the bucket. Tapping those side plugs first forces the HST fluid to squirt out sideways, which is then hard to "catch". What a mess!

Yeah, so now I have lowered the level by using that center plug with no problem. I wish that I had done that in the beginning. Live and learn.

Cheers,
Mike