Rear crank seal leak in YM1700

BTackett · Jul 8, 2008

Well I was under my tractor last night that I just got a week ago and looking at location of everything and notice oil starting to drip of the bottom of the bellhousing. I removed the npt water drain plug and about an ounce of oil ran out! I assume this is a rear seal leak basically the same as in a auto engine. Arrgh.... I did not see a leak when I bought it but the chassis had been cleaned. I have put 3 hrs on it since bringing it home and now this. I am going to call the seller today and see what they say. They gave me a 6 mo warranty and I feel this should cover this but I am almost 4 hrs away from them.

Basically, is is the same type seal in a auto engine ? Will the tractor have to be split to repair? I would assume so as the clutch is probably damp with oil now and needs to be cleaned and / or replaced.

Everything works perfectly on the tractor and now one of the worst oil leaks you can have. Just frustrated

Bill

California · Jul 8, 2008

Could that oil be migrating forward from the transmission?

SailorBob · Jul 8, 2008

If it does turn out to be the oil seal I would tell the dealer that he should give you another tractor considering you have only put 3 hours on it. I am sorry to hear about that. I don't see any way to replace it without splitting the tractor.

BTackett · Jul 8, 2008

I called them and they are nice reputable guys and are going to fix it. I just have to haul it 7 hrs round trip and wait about 3 hrs for them to split/fix it. Everything else on the tractor works great and I would like to keep this one as I know the condition now after using it. He even said that he would help me on fuel cost to bring it to him. I was just wondering if it was the same process as a regular auto engine after splitting. I understand about the age of the tractor but just kinda disappointed that it is the rear main leaking and not a head gasket or something I can fix in a couple hours by myself.

My dad is retired and I can probably talk him into taking it for me in return for a favor.

Bill

SailorBob · Jul 8, 2008

I am glad that they are going to take care of it. I did rebuild the engine on my YM1700 earlier this year but, I did not split the tractor or pull the crankshaft as the main bearings seemed fine. Looong story but, I ran mine hot and had to rebuild it. I looked at Hoye's website and found the seal. (an $11.80 part). it does not look like it would be too bad to replace except for splitting the tractor. You can see the breakdown here:

CRANK_SHAFT: Yanmar Tractor Parts

Good luck with your tractor. I have really enjoyed using mine except for the rebuild part. It is amazing what a 20HP tractor can do.

BTackett · Jul 15, 2008

I must say the guys at Tullahoma tractor are great to work with and I would recommend them to anyone. As you know I bought a YM1700 a couple of weeks ago and the rear seal and axle seal were dripping. I loaded the tractor this morning and headed on a 3 1/2 hr drive and in a little over 2 hrs they split the tractor, replaced the badly leaking rear main seal, put in a new clutch pak w/ bearing(while it was apart), replaced the right rear axle seal/hub, and also changed the fan belt( had to drain radiator) and gave me a PTO shield/bolts to install and I am back in business. When I got back home I put another 45 min on the tractor cultivating the garden and no leaks!

I would recommend these hard working guys to anyone for Yanmar sales/service. I don't know anyone else that would do that for you on a used tractor. I know from reading on here there are a few that will do the same but I have not used them.

Great guys! Just thought I would toot their horn.

I only paid $2500 for the YM1700 with 660 hours and original paint.

Bill