JD 2355 checkup.

[BufordBoone]

Included with the farm I purchased was a JD 2355 (1993 vintage). It has less than 1,500 hours on it.

I changed the oil and have monitored the hydraulic fluid (wow, that stuff is tough to see on the dipstick). It has been running well.

I've noticed some fluid weeping on the engine, but not enough to see the drips. When started up at 30 degrees or so, I noticed I had no brakes and the hydraulics were very slow. Once it warmed up, everything returned to normal.

I ran it today, 70 degrees or so, and had hydraulic and brake issues, again. Once it warmed up everything returned to normal. There was quite a bit of smoke coming off the engine for the first 5 minutes of operation but I think that was the weepy fluid burning off. I stopped, checked everything out, as best I know how and then went about bush hogging the fields for the next hour or two.

What should I be checking with regards to the hydraulics and brakes. Could it be something simple?

Additionally, so long as I keep the oil level right, is the weeping a problem that needs immediate attention?

Thanks for any help you may be able to provide.

 

[DT86]

Where about on the engine is the fluid leaking? It could be coolant, oil or diesel fuel.

As for the hydraulic fluid I would drain it and clean the screen in the bottom of the transmission.

Those are pretty darn reliable tractors. Lots of folks, myself included, consider the 55 series amongst the best tractors Deere ever made.

 

[BufordBoone]

Thanks, DT. I'll take another look next time I'm down there and see if I can provide a better description.

 

[Tx Jim]

I also agree that JD 55 series tractors are some of the best tractors JD ever built. In fact I've owned a 4255 since '93. Actually brakes aren't actually operated hydraulically by high pressure. The trans pump supplies oil to the brake valve and then hyd oil is used to apply brakes in lieu of brake fluid, I 2nd checking trans sump(parts key 15) screen and I'll also suggest changing hyd filter. I think it would be wise to determine the source of the liquid leak on the engine.

 

[buickanddeere]

Change the coolant asap. The corrosion inhibitor will be depleted even though the freeze protection is still acceptable . Otherwise the sleeve will develop pin holes from cavitation.
Transmission oil sump may have condensation . Drain and fill a couple of times .

 

[Tx Jim]

Transmission oil sump may have condensation . Drain and fill a couple of times .

b&d
I didn't know presence of condensation in hyd oil was that easy to determine by looking at a computer screen? You must have a lot better eyesight than I do. Have you priced any hyd oil lately?? If you'll notice OP stated tractor had less than 1500 hrs on the speed/hour meter.

 

[buickanddeere]

I can see it from here, can't you?

 

[Tx Jim]

NO I can't see the milky looking oil.

 

[jd110]

Since OP mentioned that hydraulic fluid was difficult to see on dipstick, I would assume there is not water contamination. BUT, if fluid has never been changed at near 1500 hours, it would make good sense to change it now since that is the recommended interval and the tractor is old enough that it should be changed. Regardless of contamination, the brakes should not disappear and then come back after running unless there are freezing temperatures involved. Are there any oil leaks around brake valves or lines? When brakes are not working, do the pedals go to the floor? Bo brake pedal work differently when applied individually or together? The leak on the engine should definitely be fixed if causing engine to smoke... could cause a fire if leaking on exhaust.

 

[Tx Jim]

Moisture contamination of hyd oil can be determined by performing a "crackle test".

 

[Gator6x4]

For those not familiar with what a "Crackle Test is";


Method:

The crackle test is a simple test to identify the presence of free and emulsified water suspended in the oil, provided a few simple rules are followed.

No visible or audible change.

No free or emulsified water

Very Small Bubbles (0.5 mm) produced and quickly disappear.

0.05 - 0.1% 500-1000 ppm

Bubbles approximately 2 mm are produced, gather to center, enlarge to 4mm, and disappear quickly.

0.1 - 0.2% 1000-2000 ppm

Bubbles 2-3 mm are produced growing to 4 mm, process repeats, possible violent bubbling and audible crackling.

0.2 and more >2000 ppm

1. Raise the hot plate temperature to 320ｰF (160ｰC). Always use the same temperature.
2. Violently agitate oil sample to achieve homogenous suspension of water in oil.

Using a clean dropper, place a drop of oil on the hot plate.

Observations:

1. If no crackling or vapor bubbles are produced after a few seconds, no free or emulsified water is present.
2. If very small bubbles (0.5 mm) are produced but disappear quickly, approximately 0.05 to 0.10 percent water is present.
3. If bubbles approximately 2 mm are produced, gather to the center of the oil spot, enlarge to about 4 mm, then disappear, approximately 0.1 to 0.2 percent water is present.
4. For moisture levels above 0.2 percent, bubbles may start out about 2 to 3 mm then grow to 4 mm, with the process repeating once or twice. For even higher moisture levels, violent bubbling and audible crackling may result.
5. Be wary of the presence of dissolved gases, fuel, refrigerants and volatile solvents, which can cause false positives.

Hot plates are almost things of the past. A frying pan works also. A cast iron skillet works great. You are on your own with the cast iron skillet. The wife may decide your head would be a nice place to see if the skillet will ring when striking a hard object. The wife may not get upset from the smell generated by burning oil in her kitchen in an old frying pan, but most wives cherish those cast iron skillets.

 

[BufordBoone]

Found leaks in both the fuel system, up at the top of the engine and a hydraulic line on the bottom of the tractor. Opted to have the dealer give it a good going over.

Thanks for all the assistance.

 

[DT86]

Found leaks in both the fuel system, up at the top of the engine and a hydraulic line on the bottom of the tractor. Opted to have the dealer give it a good going over.

Thanks for all the assistance.

Not a bad decision if you're in over your head. It will be money well spent to have a reliable old tractor. Best of luck!