NH1925 leak

Boomerbrent · Nov 19, 2003

I'm a regular reader, but post infrequently. Hopefully, you guys will have an idea here. I've got a 1998 NH 1925 with about 100 hours. I've noticed over the past week or so, a regular drip coming from near where the diesel-fill overflow tube runs under the tractor. It's not from that tube, and does not appear to be coolant. It's kept in a single garage stall that's walled-off from other portions of my unheated pole buildng with a concrete floor. We've had some temperature variations here in the past few weeks, and wonder if it could be condensation, but you'd think it would be present in more than one place. The liquid does not appear to be oil either. Any ideas of where to start to remedy this?

jinman · Nov 19, 2003

( diesel-fill overflow tube )

That's a new one on me, Brent. Do you mean your diesel fuel tank has an overflow tube? I thought those went away way back in the early '60s. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I'd suggest putting a dry paper towel down under where your tractor drips. It will make it much easier to determine the color and whether the liquid has an oily consistency. After all, there are several liquids you could be dealing with: 1) oil, 2) hydraulic fluid, 3) diesel, 4)engine coolant, 5) power steering fluid (actually hyd fluid), and 6) condensation. I believe our engine's also have a crankcase vent, so that might be #7. One thing for sure, it's normally leaking right above where the drip hits the floor or very near that location.

I know this hasn't been much help, but there are lots of possibilities. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Bird · Nov 19, 2003

( diesel fuel tank has an overflow tube? I thought those went away way back in the early '60s )

Now I don't know about those blue tractors, but I sure had puddle of diesel under my tractor one day and it was because I filled it up to the top the night before and I guess it got warmer afterwards because that overflow tube was where it came from.

It also scared me the first time I went in the shop and found a big puddle of water under the tractor. I know my uninsulated metal shop building was somewhat of a condensation problem, but I couldn't believe the amount of condensation I got on the tractor; sometimes just the tires were all wet and sometimes other metal parts of the tractor as well.

But like you said, the first thing I'd want to do is identify what the liquid is, then start tracing the origin.

GregE · Nov 19, 2003

I think it's probably a tear drop from not being used enough, with only 100 hours on it!

Boomerbrent · Nov 19, 2003

Yeah, 100 hours isn't much. Looked at it tonite...it is coolant, coming from what appears to be where the lower radiator hose enters the engine....on the right side, just above the oil filter. There's a hex head fitting, maybe one inch in diameter that appears to thread into the engine block, the lower hose is attached with a hose clamp to this fitting. I'm wondering if the seal on this threaded fitting is bad. I don't have the repair manual. Would guess that I'd have to drain the radiator first. If I do remove this threaded plug, would I use some type of a sealant on the threads before putting it back in...or teflon tape? I don't believe it is the hose connection, as the worm clamp was tight. Wish I could take a photo.

Boomerbrent · Nov 20, 2003

I thought of this on the way to work this morning....should I start with a can of stop leak and see if that does the trick before taking this thing apart? If that makes sense, any suggestions on the best product? Would appreciate any suggestions.

jinman · Nov 20, 2003

Brent, from your description, this sounds like the engine block drain rather than the lower radiator hose. What size is the hose? If it's about 1-1/2" to 2" in diameter, it's the radiator hose. If it's about 3/4" to 1" o.d. it's probably the engine drain hose. Many Boomers have experienced this problem with a leaking engine block drain. If it were my tractor, I'd remove the anti-freeze, carefully remove the fitting, apply thread sealant, and replace the fitting. I would not use coolant stop-leak in a diesel engine. If you are just getting a small drip, you might just put a small drip pan under your tractor and not worry about it.

One thing for sure, if you try to remove the threaded plug and the thing breaks, you are in for a much harder repair job. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gifIf you don't feel pretty confident, you should probably talk to you dealer's service manager about it. That's probably not a bad idea anyway. He'll know whether removing these things is known to be problematic.

jinman · Nov 20, 2003

Well, Bird, you might be right about this, but I don't recall seeing any such drain on my tractor. With my fuel tank behind the seat, it should be obvious if there is an overflow. I'll have to check my repair manual to see if there is one. I'll check it and let you know if blue tractors can "wet their pants" or not. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Boomerbrent · Nov 20, 2003

It must be the engine drain plug. I'll call the dealer service manager and see what they suggest. Ill report back what they say.

Boomerbrent · Nov 20, 2003

Just got off the phone with the dealer service manager. He said to drain the coolant, try to remove the plug using a six point socket and breaker bar, clean the threads and use a plumbing pipe dope to coat the threads and put it back in. He did mention that NH has had some problems with these...and it might be easy to get it out, or it might not come off at all. aid that some PB Blaster might help. Thanks to all of you for your assistance.