Sight glass

[Kenneth in Texas]

Small bubble at top like its suppose to be BUT at times the fluid appear down 1/2 way on the glass or even a little lower.

Strange thing is no matter if the small bubble is at the top or it shows lower, the tractor is sitting on level ground, the FEL is down and the 3 point is down. What would make the fluid level change level when nothing changes with the tractor? No leaks from any cylinders or anywhere else.

 

[gwdixon]

Not trying to be an a-hole (but maybe being one anyway), it doesn't seem to be something to really worry about.

If the fluid alternates levels but doesn't disappear from the sight glass then there is plenty of hydraulic fluid to do the job and not have damage.

 

[Kenneth in Texas]

earlier it appeared there was no fluid in the glass, then after driving for a couple minutes it was back at normal level. This seems that its something that has just recently started as I always checked that glass before operating and it always was at a constant level.

 

[Tx Jim]

I think it would take a very small amount of variation in the ground topography to change the oil level in the site glass.

 

[k0ua]

I think it would take a very small amount of variation in the ground topography to change the oil level in the site glass.

Those were my exact thoughts. I had a sight glass on the L3400 hst I used to own. Rather inconvienant way to check fluid levels. Best way is a nice level garage floor.

 

[KennyG]

Also, differences in loader/bucket or 3 pt. position, temperature, amount of time to drain. John Deere instructions say to lower everything and let it sit overnight to check. I overfill mine a little and all is good.

 

[johnrex62]

It seems to make more of a difference with left to right level than front to back. So if one side is an inch different than the other, it could make a significant difference in the fluid level in the glass.

On my place, level is a relative term. If the iced tea stays in one spot on the table, it is level. :laughing:

 

[FatTire]

I have the same issue, nothing level around our place, and it surprising how difficult it is to get a good reading with the little slight glass. I found even the slight slope of our garage floor moves the level quite a bit. To check the level I back into the garage with front tires on 2x6" boards, then I wait a while for the fluid to settle down (minutes, not hours).

 

[allenjack]

Adding colorant from John Deere is the only way I can see anything but clear glass.

 

[Clay45]

The sight glass on the side of mine supposedly reflects the fluid level in the main reservoir. Someone somewhere explained to me that use it to monitor hydraulic fluid levels by parking on level ground and let the fluid cool overnight. Lower FEL and 3-pt as far down as they go so that as much cool fluid is in the main reservoir when you check it. I know when I changed the fluid and the sight glass in mine it appeared I overfilled it for a few days until all the air worked of the system but I never experienced any jerky movements in the meanwhile.