L3400 HST Hydraulic View Window Must Read

[Rice Rider]

After spending several days last week-end digging and hauling the tailings to another part of the property, I noticed some dark spots on the gravel leading up the drive. At first light I was up and looking over the tractor along the bottom side for possible leaks with none found. I looked at the sight glass for the hydraulic fluid and it had moist dust on it. Hmmmm, I took off the cover that protects the view glass and found it loose. I could move it either way and it did not get any tighter. I did notice if I pulled with even the slightest pressure on it, I would see fluid seeping by. This is a very bad thing when synthetic fluid cost around $11.00 @ quart. Anyway, I tried to tighten it with my fingers again and it came off slick as a whistle with fluid pouring out of the hole, crap, I plugged it with my thumb while I looked at the cover and it had broken leaving the threaded part screwed into the tractor. I put it back on and wedged it in place with a shop towel and headed into town to order another sight glass and a spare. I don稚 have a clue as to how it would break as it is in an armored location. I would suggest keeping an eye on yours. If that came off without noticing it, I would think it could pose a serious problem to your bank account.

 

[JAE 3400]

R.R. Thanks for the heads up. I will keep an eye on mine. Good luck removing the threaded piece from your machine.

 

[Rice Rider]

Thanks, I've been thinking the same thing. Is there a saint for tractors? If so, I need to start lighting a candle or saying some Kubota repair prayers. My tractor is out in the woods so I plan on driving it onto a log (on the left side) so all the fluid goes to the other side to work on it.

 

[Rebel]

Umm where is this "sight glass" located. Does my L3240 have one? Feeling like a moron if it does cause I've never noticed it.

 

[JAE 3400]

R.R. I haven't had my 3400 that long but the few bolts and screws that I have removed have been super tight. I'm thinking that your sight glass may have been over tightened and broken on the instillation thats why it came off in your hand. If you could find a large enough easy-out that may work. Otherwise a chisel and hammer used gently to try to remove it could work. If there is any threads sticking out past the the housing you could try to break off a piece and the rest could be easy. Let us know how it goes.

 

[emmy71]

The sight glass breaking issue is a common one here. I am assuming you have the one made completely of clear plastic. I don't think it is a tightening issue but more of a material issue. The good news is there is an updated part for this which is made much better. Also the threads are 3/4 inch pipe thread is I remember correctly. I replaced mine with a pipe plug until I got the new sight glass. My 3400 was about two years old when I noticed the problem. I took the broken one to my dealer and asked if he would cover it under warranty and he gave me a new one no charge. I keep the plug in the tool box on the tractor just in case.

Terry

 

[Rice Rider]

I ordered two of the view windows from my local dealer (not having read about your three quarter inch pipe plug). I suppose the pipe plug would be cheaper but I was wandering if the sealing washer will fit on the plug. Also, I was wandering if there is any way to tell if the new improved part from the old style that broke. One thing is for sure, I will be keeping an eye to the floor board from now on while operating.

 

[wushaw]

Mine went @200 hrs, I also purchased a spare.

 

[emmy71]

I ordered two of the view windows from my local dealer (not having read about your three quarter inch pipe plug). I suppose the pipe plug would be cheaper but I was wandering if the sealing washer will fit on the plug. Also, I was wandering if there is any way to tell if the new improved part from the old style that broke. One thing is for sure, I will be keeping an eye to the floor board from now on while operating.

The old one was made of clear plastic. The new one is a green or gray (don't remember off hand) plastic with a clear window. If I get a chance I will take a picture of it. I used a PVC plug as a temporary fix and did not even need the washer. That is the plug I keep for a spare.

Terry

 

[Marcussen]

Mine has been replaced twice first time by the dealer second time by me. The second one was a different design. I would say it broke because it was over torqued or bad design/material. Althought the dealer told me something probably hit it causing it to break I don't believe that is what happened. Replacing the lost fluid cost more than the plug. I put the new one in very carefully/low torque with silicone RTV on the gasget.

 

[Rice Rider]

I think it would be next to impossible for something to hit the view window. I think I would have to tell that person, "Here's your sign". First off, it is covered by a piece of steel that takes five bolts just to remove it. Secondly, there is only about a two inch cut out in that steel plate to allow viewing access to the fluid level, and most importantly, an object would have to take out your left foot before hitting such a small area. Sounds like that parts guy did not want to part with the $11.90.

 

[canoetrpr]

Mine has been fine - 180hrs now. I think I will get a spare the next time I'm at the parts department.

 

[emmy71]

If problems persist, attached might be the way to go. It is a kit that was used to raise the oil level to quieten the overruninng cams. Looks like a small dipstick. However, I believe it is about $100.00 at the dealer.

Terry

 

[Goog]

My L3400 had this kit installed before the updated cams came out. There are a couple downfalls to the kit. First off it adds another couple gallons of expensive SUDT to the total capacity. Second problem is it is easy to kick the dipstick with your foot and knock it out of place.
I got used to it long ago but I let a friend borrow my tractor and sure enough he kicked the dipstick out and lost it. Easy to get a new one from Kubota.

I never realized that the sight glass was gone. One problem to not have. I need to pick up the hydraulic suction hose and replace it when I change out my fluid. I learned about it failing on another thread. Brian

 

[Rice Rider]

I picked up the new part this week-end and after putting the tractor on about a 15 degree side grade. I unwedged the old window and the threaded part of the window was still fully intact and still screwed into the casing. I think the part broke from vibration combined with heat. It looks to be poly styrene which is brittle. The new part looks to be a much better design and the inside has a white background that makes checking the fluid level easy due to the contrast. I'm glad to see that Kubota learns from its mistakes and make timely changes to improve the product.

 

[Marcussen]

I think the part broke from vibration combined with heat. It looks to be poly styrene which is brittle. The new part looks to be a much better design and the inside has a white background that makes checking the fluid level easy due to the contrast. I'm glad to see that Kubota learns from its mistakes and make timely changes to improve the product.

I agree with you as to why this part fails, and I hope the new part is in fact new and improved.

 

[Rice Rider]

Here are some pictures of the old and new part.

 

[mbleill]

My L3400 HST (100 hrs) sight glass broke also. It broke similar to others on this thread. Had it hauled in to the dealer and repaired. Cost me about $200 for hauling it to and from the dealer, about 14 miles round trip. The broken one was a clear plastic one and the replacement looks a lot more stronger. It sure was a lot of hassle and cost for a simple fix. Kubota has to know is a problem. You would think they would fix their problems via a recall or do a field fix before it becomes a real expense to their customers!

 

[canoetrpr]

I might just bite the bullet and change mine before it break with the newer part - the next time I change the HST fluid. I imagine fluid will leak out if I try to do it with fluid in there right?

 

[canoetrpr]

Anybody know the part number of the new piece.