I don't like it but you better use Mahindra filters

[madmax12]

So I'd like to recap this experience. I bought a mahindra and when it came time to change the filters, I figured I'd search one of the more popular websites re: tractors (TBN) where I'd found a lot of mahindra owners talking about their struggles with locating a reasonably priced mahindra filter. The forum discussed non-OEM filters that are available and even discussed how the non-OEM filters don't fit exactly the same but some folks chimed in saying it worked. So I follow the advice from the forum and the folks at the parts store and bought a non-OEM filter and installed it. Then I have engine issues that seem to indicate a faulty filter as a root cause. So I post my experience online to help others avoid the frustration I'm experiencing and I get a bunch of folks arm chair quarterbacking telling me I shouldn't trust what I read from others which were posted on this forum. You're all right. I should only buy OEM parts and do exactly what the manual says. I guess I'm the only guy out there that believes that while the manufacturer stuff may be right, there are other ways to achieve the same goal. And I think I'm going to take the advice and stop listening to info I get on this forum. Thanks for the help everyone. Well technically it's not help; but I appreciate the input. And why only the rear cylinder had the issue...from what I understand this is the first cylinder that receives the air because it is a serial piping and not parallel so that is why it got all the crud. Not sure if that's 100% accurate but it seems to make sense. I'm planning to pick up the tractor and do the engine work myself. I would like to post what I find and how difficult/easy it is to do, but I'm really not looking to get into irrelevant arguments or being told I screwed it up. Because let's face it, we all screw up but the important thing is to share the experience so others avoid the same mistake...we don't share to be told what we did wrong...I can figure that out for myself.

I appreciate the heads up from your experience. I hope you continue to follow and post on TBN. Thanks.

 

[brain55]

A dusted engine is a dusted engine, I doubt any manufacturer would warranty that. I was able to get one warranted once when I was able to show that it was an intake gasket failure. If you still have the filter and can show that the gasket didn't seat and it wasn't an installation error you should have a chance with Napa or Wix. I have used hundreds of Napa air filters without a problem.

 

[Cpjlube]

I apologize if I came off a little harsh. From my experience anytime you work on your own equipment you need to be very observant. We all know that everything on the Internet, even on TBN, is not factual or always accurate. If it don't look right it probably isn't right.
My point was that if you used an aftermarket filter, installed it properly and it failed, the responsibility lays with the filter manufacturer. Of course Mahindra is out. The best way to prove the filter was to blame is to have the dealer state that. If a REAL shop documents a problem and is willing to put in writing that a properly installed filter failed. That document is what I would take to NAPA. If the filter is listed as a application for your machine, the dealer is your friend. They can help you prove your case.

Chuck

 

[crbonline]

Visited my Mahindra dealer after they had a chance to diagnose...rings are shot on cylinder 3 but they hadn't pulled apart yet to see how bad the cylinder walls are. I took it home with me and will do it myself; I'm pretty much going to rebuild. So the interesting thing is they said it was definitely dirt getting through the filter...and while there wasn't a lot of dust in the air duct, there was some...I'm still not 100% convinced. So I asked to buy a Manindra filter so I can put it in when after I rebuilt the engine and they pulled out the same WIX filter that I had in it. I asked "what gives" because there is a belief that a non-OEM filter helped cause the issue and he responded by stating they only use WIX period. So I have no idea what the deal is but I'm going to purchase a Mahindra filter and install a secondary air filter housing to get twice the filtering and a back up if one fails.

Also I'm planning to split it to secure the engine mounting bolts. I guess the 2615's have an issue where the mounting bolts on the engine side of the mounting plate start to back out and then hit the clutch flywheel...and if not corrected immediately, well let's just say you better break out the wallet...upwards of 2-3k easy if things get destroyed. There were 2 on his shop floor with that issue...both disintegrated. The dealer said split it and remove and reinstall the bolts with green locktite. I'm not looking forward to all this work but I'm looking forward to getting my tractor running again. My work is piling up.

Hoping this info is helpful to someone.

 

[madmax12]

Visited my Mahindra dealer after they had a chance to diagnose...rings are shot on cylinder 3 but they hadn't pulled apart yet to see how bad the cylinder walls are. I took it home with me and will do it myself; I'm pretty much going to rebuild. So the interesting thing is they said it was definitely dirt getting through the filter...and while there wasn't a lot of dust in the air duct, there was some...I'm still not 100% convinced. So I asked to buy a Manindra filter so I can put it in when after I rebuilt the engine and they pulled out the same WIX filter that I had in it. I asked "what gives" because there is a belief that a non-OEM filter helped cause the issue and he responded by stating they only use WIX period. So I have no idea what the deal is but I'm going to purchase a Mahindra filter and install a secondary air filter housing to get twice the filtering and a back up if one fails.

Also I'm planning to split it to secure the engine mounting bolts. I guess the 2615's have an issue where the mounting bolts on the engine side of the mounting plate start to back out and then hit the clutch flywheel...and if not corrected immediately, well let's just say you better break out the wallet...upwards of 2-3k easy if things get destroyed. There were 2 on his shop floor with that issue...both disintegrated. The dealer said split it and remove and reinstall the bolts with green locktite. I'm not looking forward to all this work but I'm looking forward to getting my tractor running again. My work is piling up.

Hoping this info is helpful to someone.

That's a bummer. Hope u get it fixed well and soon. Thx for update.

 

[Cpjlube]

Good advice on the bolts. If and when I buy another tractor im looking hard at Mahindra.

Chuck

 

[Texan4Life]

wow.. thx for the update.

I still cant imagine how dust got through. that would drive me nuts. Maybe on the tear down you will have an "a HA!" moment.

 

[MrChris]

I take it you do not have an inner air filter. On my 3215 there is an inner and outer filter in the one housing.

 

[2516hst]

I just replaced all my filters today, except the fuel cause I can't figure out where the fuel shut off is. Anyhow, I got the oil and fuel filter at NAPA because they had a cross reference for it but they did not have a cross reference number for the air and hydraulic filters. They had the Mahindra parts in the book but no NAPA equivalent.

I picked up my Mahindra air filter at a dealer and paid $49.20. I picked up oil at NAPA and come to find out the same identical oil at the Mahindra dealer was $2 cheaper for a 1 gallon jug. I guess our dealer here isn't as bad with the price hikes.

 

[buck12]

I don't trust the Wix cross reference any more. When I changed the transmission fluid on my 2615 I bought the Wix filter but when i pulled off the original filter the Wix filter was shorter (if my memory is correct). I took it back and went to the dealer. I figure what's a few bucks for a tractor that I plan to keep. I have always run factory parts and filters on my vehicles and after the Wix incident I will do the same on my tractor.