L35 Oil Volume

[IronRangeGuy]

Last year I purchased an 2004 L35 LTB with 328 hrs on it. Not knowing the maintenance history of it I decided to change the oil. The specs on the tractor said it would take 5.1 quarts with changing the oil filter. I am not a great mechanic so I followed the instructions closely. I drained the oil out of the two plugs shown in the instruction. I then removed the filter. I sensed that there was no where near 5 quarts of oil in the drain pan. So I proceeded with putting on the new filter and started adding oil. The tractor took less than 4 quarts. I started the tractor and ran for about 5 minutes and the level was still good. I then did about two hours of brush hogging on my property and rechecked the oil and again the level was good. It was fall with the temperature about 50 degrees so I don't think the oil was too cold thus not draining properly. What am I missing?

 

[mddorange]

:welcome:
To the forum. I can't help with that tractor but I am sure someone here can.

 

[rmk700]

Was the oil level up prior to draining? Either the capacities in the manual are wrong or that 1 quart is being trapped in there somewhere. May have to pull the stop button a turn it over for a half a second or something to see if it drains out. I can't say I kept great track of how much oil I put back in mine but I do remember thinking it was less than the 5.1 quarts the manual states. Now that you mention it I will pay much closer attention next time.