Mahindra Emax 25

[Matt2796]

Hi, this is my 3rd year with my oil looking like this. It is full of little bubbles. It starts after a few minutes of running the tractor and clears up after shutting it off. While running the sight glass fills up with tiny bubbles. We have confirmed it is not a water issue. Seems to be air being sucked in somehow. The oil has been changed multiple times. Did an oil change this morning and same result. Filter was replaced and strainer was cleaned. The dealership is now saying it is normal but I know it is not. Any advice in how I could find the air leak? I have attached a picture of what the oil looks like.

Thanks!

 

[aba4430]

That does not appear normal. Couple of questions:

• Is your coolant level and appearance typical? Do you have to constantly add coolant?
• Is your air filter housing alright? Have you checked the air filter? Do you normally wash your tractor and is moisture being introduced through the filter housing? How did you eliminate water in your investigation?
• Where are you getting your supply of diesel? Are you using any additives?
• Are you using brand name motor oils? Do you change your own oil? If not, do you know what the service provider uses?
• Is it possible your tractor is not being fully warmed up and hence unable to get rid of condensation?

Recommendation: Have the tractor checked out at another dealership.

 

[Smokeydog]

Suction leaks are hard to detect because they leak little out.

My Kubota B26 had a design flaw that cause a rubber elbow to split on the suction side. Aerated the oil. Caused excessive heat and unfiltered air entering the oil space.

Check, tighten the filter(s). Check all hardline suction connections. Check all rubber lines. Cracks are hard to see. I couldn’t see cracks until I disassembled. Any plates or filter housing seals.

 

[Matt2796]

That does not appear normal. Couple of questions:

• Is your coolant level and appearance typical? Do you have to constantly add coolant?
• Is your air filter housing alright? Have you checked the air filter? Do you normally wash your tractor and is moisture being introduced through the filter housing? How did you eliminate water in your investigation?
• Where are you getting your supply of diesel? Are you using any additives?
• Are you using brand name motor oils? Do you change your own oil? If not, do you know what the service provider uses?
• Is it possible your tractor is not being fully warmed up and hence unable to get rid of condensation?

Recommendation: Have the tractor checked out at another dealership.

Coolant level is ok. Air filter is ok. I do not wash the tractor. I am using howes diesel treat in my fuel. And yes using band name motor oils, have tried different brands over time same result. I do my own oil changes dealer has done it as well after the issue came up and same problem. And as for waming up the tractor the more it runs the worse it gets.

 

[Matt2796]

Suction leaks are hard to detect because they leak little out.

My Kubota B26 had a design flaw that cause a rubber elbow to split on the suction side. Aerated the oil. Caused excessive heat and unfiltered air entering the oil space.

Check, tighten the filter(s). Check all hardline suction connections. Check all rubber lines. Cracks are hard to see. I couldn’t see cracks until I disassembled. Any plates or filter housing seals.

I do have a rubber hose that couples the suction line pipes between the transmission and pump. The lines are not level and seem to be putting stress on the rubber hose. Im thinking that might be the issue will start by replacing it.

 

[Harry in Ky]

Excellent starting point. Don't worry about air filters, fuel filters, coolant levels or motor oil type, or any of that. You already know those don't enter into this. The air is coming in between the oil in the reservoir and the hydraulic pump, one way or another. Only so many links in that chain. The rubber hose coupler is the first suspect, but O ring seals under the pump and whatever manifold might be there factor in as well. Could also be the shaft seal on the pump itself. Do the obvious things first.

 

[aba4430]

A little confused now. In the original post oil is indicated and also sight glass with bubbles. Is this hydraulic fluid or engine oil we are concerned about?

 

[Matt2796]

Excellent starting point. Don't worry about air filters, fuel filters, coolant levels or motor oil type, or any of that. You already know those don't enter into this. The air is coming in between the oil in the reservoir and the hydraulic pump, one way or another. Only so many links in that chain. The rubber hose coupler is the first suspect, but O ring seals under the pump and whatever manifold might be there factor in as well. Could also be the shaft seal on the pump itself. Do the obvious things first.

So I went to the dealer and started a brand new tractor, exact same model, same issue. Mechanics looked at some stuff the hydraulic pump is the same size as a tractor that holds 30-40L of oil. Mine only takes 14.5L. So the oil doesn't have time to settle in the reservoir it's being pumped back into the system.

 

[Harry in Ky]

The parts breakdown I found doesn't even show any of the hydraulic parts. It sounds to me like maybe you bought yourself a problem. If other tractors like it do the same thing, it may leave you with few choices. (none of them very appealing) 1) Live with it. 2) Adding an extra reservoir and tying it into the system to help keep the pump better supplied. (probably more than you care to do) 3) Trade it off.