ID this drain plug...

[tillboy2001]

I noticed some fluid that had dripped on the garage floor the other day. I got to looking around under the tractor (4120 without Hydro tranny) and noticed what looks to be a drain plug that was backed out enough to drip. I can't find this shown anywhere in the book and I want to ID what it's for so I know how hard to tighten it down. I don't want to overtighten it.

If you're sitting on the tractor seat, it would be on the left side of the tractor. Ok, so now picture yourself under the tractor, with your head pretty much right under the driver's seat and you're looking up. Your head is facing the rear of the tractor and your feet towards the front of the tractor. The plug I saw has a head on it that has 4 sides. It's not a regular bolt type head that you can use a wrench on - unless maybe you use an open end wrench. The plug screws in horizontally - it's not something on the very bottom of the tranny, it's like on the left side near the bottom, but it screws in from the side, not from the bottom. The plug appears to be located in the center of a small plate. The plate itself seems to be secured to the main part of the tranny (or whatever this section of the tractor is) with 2 smaller bolts. When I noticed what was actually loose and dripping tranny fluid, I saw that it was backed out really far...maybe another 4 or 5 turns would have taken the plug all the way out. Good thing this didn't fall out in the field!

Anyone know what this plug is and what the torque should be on it? I screwed it back in until the threads disappeared and it was getting a little harder to turn at that point, but I didn't want to keep going and crank it in too far or strip it...I wanted to get the scoop on what it was first.

Any ideas? If nothing else, I can get a picture of it this evening I guess to help ID it.

 

[Willl]

#53 and #39 ?

 

[tillboy2001]

Yes! that's it. #53 is the plug that was backed out really far. What's it's purpose in life and how hard should it be tightened down?

 

[Willl]

That's the dead end cap for your return screen. Here's another pic.
(sorta, it doesn't show the actual plug, but that screen is directly behind it.)

How tight ?, I'd snug it up pretty good. It's a pipe thread plug so about a grunt and a half. I'll see if I can find any torque specs.

And your right, losing it in the field would be real bad.

 

[tillboy2001]

Ok, thank you. I'll use a small adjustable wrench so I have a better feel for when it's wanting to stop. I'd really hate to strip it.

 

[dbdartman]

It's a tapered pipe plug. You won't strip it with anything less than a 24" wrench on it & at least 200 lbs of force. I'd pull it tight with a 10" adjustable, then give it a smack (with my hand).

 

[Willl]

But too tight and you'll crack the small cover it screws into.

Been there, done that.