Leaky, Leaky TC33D

[jwhite]

My TC33D has had various hydraulic leaks since it was new (three years - 220 total hours). Leaks have been - three fittings at the FEL quick connects, two at the distribution block, two on the FEL at the front, two at the FEL valve and three on the backhoe (Bush Hog brand using tractor hydraulics)

Now the tractor is leaking from the filter that is just behind the exhaust pipe. (Don't have the manual handy to know which one this is). This is getting very frustrating!!!!!!

Is it normal for all these fittings to develop leaks and seepages from time to time?

Tightening them lasts for awhile, but will eventually seep again. I am leary of using pipe dope or teflon tape on the threads as there doesn't seem to be any on them from the factory, but I and getting desperate and hate getting all the hydraulic fluid on the ground especially since I am on well water.

If any of you are having this problem, how are you solving it?

Thanks!
Jay

 

[Charliebrn]

At one point, Kubota had a run of defective hoses from one of their suppliers...seems that they were crimped TOO tight causing the fittings to have hairline cracks. I don't think there were tons of these, and I haven't heard of any more lately, so I think Kubota nipped it in the bud fairly quickly. If I remember right, they covered them in warranty. Don't know if this applies to you or not, but thought I'd throw it out there. Someone also said that they had new hoses made up for them at a place like NAPA fairly cheaply, so maybe you could do that???

I'd be hesitant on the teflon tape as well, I'd hate to think what it would do if any got caught in the hydraulic system...the right pipe dope might be ok though, I'd give that a shot if someone could tell you what type.

Good luck!

 

[JerryG]

If you don't like the leaks and want to stop them, use the tape. It is fine as long as you don't get it off the threads when you wrap it. Wrap it tight and keep it from lapping over the end then it will work and won't cause any problems.

 

[TC33D]

Had a keak on my 33D the other day that appeared to be the hydrostat filter you described. When I removed the side engine panel I noticed that the leak was actually coming from a loose hose clamp just above the filter. The fluid was just dripping down on the filter. I saw another post somewhere that described the same hose clamp issue also.

 

[jwhite]

Yeah, I think that was my problem as well. When I went to fix it the hose clamp on that hose was loose but so was the filter. I had to tighten both.

Given history, something else will probably leak again soon. I keep a cardboard "diaper" under the tractor to protect the concrete floor of the new garage until I can epoxy paint it.

Jay