Oil leak under trans on TC29D

Anonymous Poster · Jul 31, 2000

My TC29D (hydrostat) has an oil leak coming from a cotter pin that hangs down from a hole that's near the center in the bottom of the transmission. It only leaks a few drops while it's parked, but I don't know how much it's leaking while I'm using it. The tractor only has about 40 hours on it. Has anyone else had this leak?

Hawgee · Jul 31, 2000

Danny,

The cotter pin is there to keep the drain hole clean. DO NOT REMOVE! That cotter pin has been used on a jillion tractors. The hole is for draning of any fluids that may enter the bell housing.

The most important thing to do is try to identify the oil. Engine oil means the rear seal is leaking. Hydro or rear end oil is input shaft or other gasket leaking at the front of tranny. Check all dipsticks closely and see which one is going down. If it was bad enough with a stick shift, you may notice the clutch start to slip. I would monitor closely and let dealer know right away. It is good to notify even if it was to stop after a few hours more on meter just to let eveyone involved know. Drip pan will let you know how much is leaking when parked. A diaper would let you know what is leaking during run times. I would not ingnore or procrastinate on it. Good luck and keep us up to date on any resolve.

PS, don't let anyone talk you into a seal swelling additive on such a new tractor.

"What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered."
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Bird · Jul 31, 2000

Danny, when I first read your message, I wondered if you weren't talking about the bell housing. I do believe that Hawgee has given you all the right answers. Contact your dealer, as he said, and let us know what happens.

Bird

Hawgee · Jul 31, 2000

I just got to add this story. Most have heard one close to this. If not, you are now warned.
New farmer thinks cotter pin is stray loose one and removes it. After cleaning out drainage ditches for the fall weather and parking the tractor for winter, youm guessed it. Water had gotten into bell housing and hole got plugged. Nothing but rust when he went to run it in the spring. Clutch had rusted to flywheel and pressure plate. Throw out bearing did not spin anymore.
One machanic told of the time when one came in for service, crawled under to drain fluids and jiggled the pin, whooooosh!!! He said you must check and wiggle the cotter once and awhile. If you do have a leaking seal and the hole is plugged, how ya gonna know? Wet faced. /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif
Oh and Danny, your is the first I've heard of with a leak. Good luck.

"What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered."
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Hawgee on 7/31/00 10:30 PM.</FONT></P>

Anonymous Poster · Aug 1, 2000

Danny I bought a new ford 1520 back in 1995. About to months later it started leaking same place as yours called the dealer they came right out and picked it up they said it was a bad hydro seal. Well about five months later it started leaking again not much just a few drops I kept that tractor for about five years and every year it would get a little worse so I got rid of the tractor.

gordon · Aug 1, 2000

Good info Hawgee Now atleast I've been warned. Just hope that never happens to me. The wet face I can relate to oh yea that was the last time I was changing the oil in my tractor and the oilfilter slipped and guess what--not good.
Gordon

woodhaus · Aug 1, 2018

What ever came of this issue on the TC29D? I bought a used one and just recently noticed a considerable amount of oil coming from that cotter pin. I am certain this is a hydro leak and not engine related. The fluid level is down each time I check it.
Does anyone have any ideas if this is a hydro pump issue or a seal? The tractor has 1200 hrs on it. IS there anyway to fix with out splitting the tractor? I have the manual to work on it but it looks like it will take many hours to disassemble and rebuild the pumps.
BTW - I was surprised to see the cotter pin too - I thought someone was careless when they split the tractor.

rod2dmax · Jul 14, 2019

I just had this happen on my 1999 Tc25d. 1100 hours. I split the tractor (next seam back from the engine/bell housing) and ordered up a seal kit for the hydrostatic transmission. $380. Also replacing the 3 seals behind the tranny and 4wd bearing in the case that winds up on the front half after splitting and throw out bearing. Could not tell for sure where it is leaking from. Still waiting on the seals. Is your manual in PDF format? If so could you share it? I have pics of mine split if you need them.

woodhaus · Jul 14, 2019

I let you know about the manual- it is pdf. Travelling- will be back in a few days. I bought the seal kits and all the filters. Dealer recommended changing the throwout brg too. Havent had time to split yet. Parts dealer says the paper gasket in the hst pump side leaks and is most likely the main culprit. Did you jack it or hoist it to split? Yes- I would like to see pics. Got about $500 in seals and TO brg +$150 in filters. The fact that the NH dealer had the parts in stock made me decide to buy. Ill send copies of receipts with part nos when I get back. Right now I have a shallow plastic oil pan collecting the oil.