L3400 sight glass

[LD1]

My sight glass finally bit the dust and cracked.

Noticed a wet spot on the concrete about 4" diameter and it was pretty wet around the glass. Sure enough it was cracked.

So I guess time to order one. I was hoping I dodged the bullet on this common issue since the tractor is 9 years and 900hrs old.

Got a 3/4" pipe plug in there now til I can get one ordered.

Keep an eye on that area fellow owners.:thumbsup:

 

[davesl708]

Bummer. Hope it is not a reoccurring problem.

 

[ritschner]

I think I am going to get a spare. But I think I am going this route, just need to double check the thread type.
LUBE Gage,Sight Plug,Lo PSI - Sight Plugs - 1U917'|'LSP151-05-01 - Grainger Industrial Supply

 

[LD1]

Funny you posted that, cause I was thinking the same exact thing. Looking at this one Sight Glasses & Flow Sights | MSCDirect.com

Wondering if any others have done this? All the threads I was reading from 5-6 years ago indicated ~$10 for kubota plastic.

Seems they are up to $25 now so thats why I started looking. Heck, I can get a non-kubota plastic one for $5. So I really dont wat to pay $20 extra for the kubota wrapper that I am just going to toss.

Those that have bought the kubota replacement, an issues out of the grey plastic ones?

 

[ccsial]

Mine gave out at around 350 hours a few years ago. The new one is gray and the dealer said it is the improved one. So far OK, We'll see.

 

[Sammy3700]

Are the tractors 3/4 tread?

 

[LD1]

Are the tractors 3/4 tread?

Mine is

 

[Sammy3700]

Thanks very much gentlemen that makes things nice.

 

[eglaude]

I had the same issue with mine at about 350hrs. Got the Kubota gray plastic replacement and it is cheaply made. Don't over tighten it, you will strip it instantly.
I like the metal ones that the other members posted. When I change out the transmission fluid in another 50 hours, I'll change to that one.

 

[4570Man]

Are you talking about this sight glass?



How in the world did you break it?

 

[k0ua]

Are you talking about this sight glass?

View attachment 446257

How in the world did you break it?

They break on their own. They are just cheap plastic. A Known problem in these models. Supposedly the replacement item is better quality.

 

[LD1]

Yep, broke all on its own.

My guess is the cheap plastic + range of hot cold and the plastic and casting expanding at different rates.

Separated right where the threads meets the head

 

[nacl9163]

My original sight glass (AKA cheap plastic crap) broke. When I tried to screw in the new improved replacement, it just wouldn't go no matter what I did. It took me a while to realize that the threaded part of the old one was still screwed in, with the top of it recessed about 3/8" down in the threads. Once I was able to turn it out, everything went smoothly. My question is, does anyone have a trick for seeing the fluid level in the glass? I never feel confident that I've really seen the level.

 

[Thomas]

When I had my L2800HST had same setup sight glass as your L3400 …" My question is, does anyone have a trick for seeing the fluid level in the glass?"... I made sure to check fluid was half full each new day of use. :confused3:

 

[sandyc]

Believe the green folks sell a dye that helps to increase the visibility in both the sight glass and the dip stick

 

[old and tired]

...does anyone have a trick for seeing the fluid level in the glass?

Find "John Deere #MT3668 Hydraulic Oil Dye" it's red and one small bottle turns it redish pink, very easy to see.

 

[asic ace]

I've never touched mine & saw it was leaking. The threads had separated from the body. These are just bad news.

 

[5030]

I think I am going to get a spare. But I think I am going this route, just need to double check the thread type.
LUBE Gage,Sight Plug,Lo PSI - Sight Plugs - 1U917'|'LSP151-05-01 - Grainger Industrial Supply

Don't think that one won't leak because it will. Had one on my big shop air compressor and it started leaking and I had to replace it.