Leaking Fluid from the Hydro dipstick / fill hole.

hds2165 · Jun 15, 2005

HI,
This is my first post on this site, I hope I can get some help.

I have a "94" HDS 2165 and after years of fixing all kinds of problems on this tractor, from spark flying PTO's, to separating front rims that almost launched me off the tractor in the middle of a turn, and lots of other things in between. I have a small problem in an area that I know nothing about. The hydrostatic trans, yeah I have done the simple maintenance, like changing the fluid & filter, but I have also been through a lot of replacement dipsticks. According to my local Cub dealer (who is now out of buisness), I am not the only one with this problem. He said they sell allot of them. According to the service guy, he said the heat over time, makes the plastic shrink in diameter and causes it to lose its seal. He also told me that Cub Cadet has not corrected the problem with a more heat tolerant material, and doesn't know if they will.

Sorry for being long winded, but this is my question.

Is there any one out there that has fixed this problem, and would I run into problems if I stuck a cork from a wine bottle in it, to stop the leak. Or would this seal the unit to tight and cause more problems like leaks in the seals?

Thanks in advance!

DmansPadge · Jun 15, 2005

I'm not familiar with your problem. However, I sure the dipstick should seal off and doesn't act as a vent. I don't know how big the hole is... but you might try to use something like an expanding rubber freeze plug if it will fit. If a cork will work.... more power to you... I just would be careful to make sure whatever you stop it up with doesn't come apart and fall into the tranny. How big is the hole?

By the way... welcome to TBN. This site is a wealth of info.

JTKub · Jun 16, 2005

I'd check to see if the breather hose up on top of the diff is plugged or pinched. There also may be a filter in the end of the breather line that's plugged. If the transaxle can't breath, it will force oil out the path of least resistance, sometimes even blow a seal/gasket.
G/luck
Joel

MrWiggles2 · Jun 16, 2005

My hydro dipstick is rubber not plastic. I find the rubber seals really well, thought they were all rubber. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JTKub · Jun 17, 2005

( My hydro dipstick is rubber not plastic. I find the rubber seals really well, thought they were all rubber. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

Yep, mine too. Dipstick is rubber, the tube it inserts into is a plastic material. You really have to give mine a yank to pull the dipstick /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif.
G/luck
Joel

hds2165 · Jun 20, 2005

( ( My hydro dipstick is rubber not plastic. I find the rubber seals really well, thought they were all rubber. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

Yep, mine too. Dipstick is rubber, the tube it inserts into is a plastic material. You really have to give mine a yank to pull the dipstick /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif.
G/luck
Joel )

I will have to stop by a dealer and see how they changed there design, because mine just plugs right into the aluminium case. There are little barbs that are supposed to retain it, but they don't do a very good job. In fact if my yard wasn't so smooth, I would be afraid the dipstick would just fall out if I went over a big bump. I will check the vent tube tonight and see if its plugged, I doubt it is because the slightest bit of pressure would just blow the dipstick out of the case, that's how lose this thing fits and the reason the oil just leaks out. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif