Oh-oh... the 4100 may be sick!!

[TerryinMD]

I discovered some oil stains on the right rear axle of my JD 4100. At first, I thought that it may have been from me oiling the rocker shaft arm. Sadly, that is not the case.

Where the oil appears to be coming from is a "breather" device attached via a nylon hose to the top of the differential. I looked in my handi-dandy owners manual and, of course, their is no reference to it.

It's not a lot of oil/hydraulic fluid, but enough to get your attention.

I've gotten the extended warranty, so I should be covered if it's a major problem. I called my dealer and they are going to come down to my house to check it out. To make things a little more complex, the family vacation starts this weekend and I'll be out of town. So, I told them to haul it away to the shop if it is necessary.

Sigh.... just have to wait and see. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

So, to get the point without me prattling along. Anyone have a possible idea what this "breather" device may be and a possible clue as to why it's deciding to spit out small amounts of oil?

Terry

 

[gkk2001]

I had a 316 a few years back; with HST and it had a clear plastic flex sight tube for the trans oil level.
I now have a 4100 and don't know what the line is you refer to but will check my manual (got the 1 " thick extensive manual). If I find something, will let you know.
If you learn anything else, please let us fello 4100 owners know.
Thanks, Greg /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Bird]

Terry, I don't know about John Deere, but the Kubotas do, in fact, have a vent on top of the differential, under the seat. I'll bet your Deere does, too, and all it needs is to be cleaned out if mud daubers or other dirt has plugged it.

 

[TerryinMD]

Hey Bird, how ya doin?

I felt around the bottom of it and it has a solid plate that is recessed in about a 1/4" or so. There may be a slight gap between it and the sidewall. The device is 3-4" long, about 1" thick, sitting vertical, with the black nylon tube which connects to the top of the differential.

For those of you that have a 4100, standing behind the tractor, it would be on the right, hanging over the gear/brake assembly and just out of the way from the draft link lift arms (don't know if that is the proper name).

Gee.... duh!!! Why don't I just take a picture!!! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Terry

 

[TerryinMD]

Okay...

Got a picture and spent some time talking to the neighbors.

If you take a look between the lift arm and the adjustable link you will see a shiny, cylindrical object. That is the leaky culprit.

You are able to also see the nylon tube going over to the top of the differential.

Anywho... what is that thingie? And, please no whatchamacallits!!

Terry

 

[iamgott]

Maybe it was just a little overfull?? gott

 

[joecdeere]

That is the rear case vent breather, should be just venting off pressure from oil temp changes etc. If it's leaking, I'd check oil level first, and think back, have you operated on any steep angles that my have sloshed the oil out of it's normal range?
Pin hole in hose? crack in breather housing? loose hose?
Just some thoughts

 

[TerryinMD]

Well, just got back from vacation and good news!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

The dealer came out while we were gone and checked it over. He said that there was too much fluid. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

This is very interesting.... I haven't added any fluid in the 2 1/2 years since I've owned the tractor and am not operating it any differently. So, go figure! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

JD recommends that you change the hydraulic fluid at 500 hrs. I've been planning on changing it soon regardless since I have around 260 hrs on it now.

Thank you for the suggestions.

Terry