Sounds Expensive

[bird1968]

I second Dan239 statement, the oil expand & goes out the vent.

I must add myself on the list of HST failure. Mine first sign, was the metal shaving,after the 300 hrs mark. It died on me at 450hrs.

I've predict my failure happen when I requested the 50hrs flush, that Kubota recommended.
Please be aware**** my local dealer/ now out of business/ is the one that I put the blame on, not Kubota which repair it under warranty (would have cost $1200).

The dealer did not put in the recomended oil, they went with the plain HST oil (never told me) I ran my machine hard, but with the low quality oil, I'm sure that the plain oil could not keep up with me.

Please do it Yourself...this is the only way to be sure that it done right.

Richard

 

[HomeBrew2]

I do find it interesting that those that have "leaks from under the seat" can't find a probable source. In the past, I've spent a couple of days searching for automotive leaks. It has to come from somewhere if it winds up on the floor!

 

[art]

Sounds to me like you got it hot enough to cause some of the fluid to go out the overflow. I assume yours has an overflow, mine does and it is at the back of the seat right beside the filler plug. This has nothing to do with the relief valve, it is an overflow to get some fluid out when it has too much in it.

Daniel

Good call Dan! When the oil expands from heat it often might get splashed enough to get out the vent.

 

[Tom_H]

I do find it interesting that those that have "leaks from under the seat" can't find a probable source. In the past, I've spent a couple of days searching for automotive leaks. It has to come from somewhere if it winds up on the floor!

I hear what you're saying, but: mine is coming out so fast that I have to choose between letting the hst drain to empty while I look (and take the chance of destroying the hst), or turning it off in hopes of not destroying it. The oil is all over everything and when it's off, there doesn't seem to be a source.

Thing is, mine began from a cold start. The last time I used it I dug hard all day and there were no leaks. Three weeks later, I start up and immediately she is bleeding like a stuck pig.

 

[Glowplug]

I hear what you're saying, but: mine is coming out so fast that I have to choose between letting the hst drain to empty while I look (and take the chance of destroying the hst), or turning it off in hopes of not destroying it. The oil is all over everything and when it's off, there doesn't seem to be a source.

Thing is, mine began from a cold start. The last time I used it I dug hard all day and there were no leaks. Three weeks later, I start up and immediately she is bleeding like a stuck pig.

My guess would be that you damaged some sort of hydraulic hose connection when doing all that heavy ground-engaging work. There just doesn't seem to be any other logical explanation for a "fast" flowing leak from a cold start. You may just have to bite the bullet and get under there (or get someone under there) with a flashlight, a rag, and a piece of cardboard and keep looking 'til you find it. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[crazyal]

You should also remember that when oil gets too hot the viscosity is much less than it should be. It can leak out around seals that normally wouldn't leak. I don't think that's what's happening if you can shut it off then start it back up and it stops but you never know. I think I would look to upgrade in size if after the second time or cut back on what you're trying to do.

 

[HomeBrew2]

I hear what you're saying, but: mine is coming out so fast that I have to choose between letting the hst drain to empty while I look (and take the chance of destroying the hst), or turning it off in hopes of not destroying it. The oil is all over everything and when it's off, there doesn't seem to be a source.
Thing is, mine began from a cold start. The last time I used it I dug hard all day and there were no leaks. Three weeks later, I start up and immediately she is bleeding like a stuck pig.

Gee whiz Tom, sorry I didn't get the impression of " oil all over everywhere" initially.

First, and least important comment: I'd buy some cheap hydro fluid and refill so I might be able to get a handle on the leak source.

Second, any chance you have a bad filter, or malfunctioning press relief valve ... remember the guy quite some time ago that was blowing filters, I think maybe out of the gasket ... well, can't remember exactly.

Youall have me slightly worried now at 981 hours

 

[HomeBrew2]

My guess would be that you damaged some sort of hydraulic hose connection when doing all that heavy ground-engaging work. ... .

My first guess would have been blowing a FEL hose or cylinder seal. Seems odd that extreme force on the FEL would cause leaks "from under the seat" unless another, internal, component failed, which seems more coincidental than causal.

 

[KubZilla]

Sounds to me like you got it hot enough to cause some of the fluid to go out the overflow. I assume yours has an overflow, mine does and it is at the back of the seat right beside the filler plug. This has nothing to do with the relief valve, it is an overflow to get some fluid out when it has too much in it.

Daniel

Daniel, thanks for that info. I'll go outside tomorrow and look for that overflow. That makes sense. And did I hear bird1968 say $1200 for repairs? I'm curious if that was for repairs or replacement? And was that on a BX? Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks..Mike

 

[rdsaustintx]

This thread has gotten a little strange (even by my standards).

The hydraulic relief valve is internal. If circuit pressure gets too high, a spring-loaded poppet diverts the supply flow back to the sump.

There is ALSO a vent at the top of the HST, just to equalize pressure in tranny as temp varies. Fluid can come out if it is overfilled or VERY hot. But it won't be much.

(2000 BX2200 with about 300 hr.) I noticed hydro fluid leaking from chassis. That line that plugs into loader when on, and back into tractor when off was wet with fluid (just had all quick connect hydro couplers replaced in Feb.)

I would initially be suspicious of the QD work done in February.

Russell in Texas

PS: Be careful - You do NOT want to discover a pinhole pressure leak by accident. Read the manual about looking for leaks.