Husqvarna Tuff Torq - Flush with Seafoam???

mortonsolar · May 2, 2017

I have remove the transaxle and drained the oil. I plan to fill the case up with SeaFoam and let it set all night. Then, drain and fill with 20W50 Synthetic. Anybody see any problems with this venture? This is a Tuff Torq K46 Transaxle from a Husqvarna LGT 2554.

Sysop · May 2, 2017

Welcome to TBN!

After draining the SeaFoam, I would probably let it air out a day or two. Or open it and blow everything out with air really well. I wouldn't want any to remain when I filled it with fresh hydraulic fluid, especially the expense of synthetic.

Why are you doing a flush and refill? Maintenance or was there a problem?

whitexc · May 2, 2017

Yeah I am a fan of Sea Foam but not sure I would fill your axle up with it. Is there a filter on this set up? If not and you are worried about remaining contaminants, maybe just buy a cheap qt or two of 20/50 and do one more fill and drain before adding the synthetic.

mortonsolar · May 2, 2017

It was loosing power on hills, especially when warm. I had read about the rebuilds on here but thought I would try this first hoping it might unclog the filter (or clog it). We will see...

IceStationZebra · May 3, 2017

I am not a transaxle expert, but I would never put anything but oil in them. First if the filter is clogged either replace it or take it out and clean it. Shortcuts usually cost more in the long run. Second, unless specifically designed for hydraulic systems you could be eating into any brass or elastomer parts. Third, if you are loosing power it sounds like the oil is just getting too thin when hot - that happens to regular oil as it ages. I'd try replacing the oil first (along with changing the filter if it has one). ISZ

tomplum · May 3, 2017

I personally wouldn't. These are worth a fluid change and purge IMO. Adding a cleaner could be a no no. If a filter is clogged in one of these would be in major need of help.

IceStationZebra · May 3, 2017

I did some more digging. As you are probably aware you have the troublesome K46 transaxle. Typical failure mode appears to be motor and pump wearout due to overheated and worn out oil. Assuming this is what happened to yours there is little hope that changing the oil will fix it. Switching to synthetic oil is like closing the barn door after the horse got out - too late.

If you are handy there is a good write up of a repair on this forum, search for "TuffTorq K46 Repair Guide with Pictures". Fix it, then sell it and get a bigger tractor.

ISZ

mortonsolar · May 3, 2017

Well today I was able to replace the unit back into the mower and it works great so far. It has much more torque and speed, pulls hard. I must admit that it's possible that the transaxle could have been low on oil when I removed it. I don't think much more than a quart came out. However, I do believe the unit is operating correctly now. Just wish both tires would spin instead of just one.