TC29D Cracked Hydraulic Line

[thcri]

Mowing this morning I started to smell something. Checked things out could not find anything leaking got back on the tractor and did some more mowing. The smell only got worse. Finally I see where the fluid was leaking. The small rubber hose in front of the radiator on the oil cooler. Wasn't leaking to bad so I drove up to the garage and the next thing I knew the oil was really flying around. When I went to the dealer to get a new one since it was only 4 inches long with a manufactured bend in it my dealer said, Wow your the third one in the last three days with that hose. He didn't have any in stock so I just took a longer one and made a loop with it since I couldn't get a short one to bend without kinking. I checked the hose on the other side and it is cracked in about ten places just like the right side was. So if you got a TC29D that is a couple of years old you might want to check them two hoses. Must be some bad hose as I see it.

murph

I lost 2 gallons of hydro fluid. Doesn't take long to loose.

 

[MikeBurr]

Just replaced the same two hoses on my TC33D, much like you, I was out working and noticed something dripping on the ground. Stopped tractor and looked for a leak, couldn't find any but decided to head for the house. On the way there, fluid started comming out real fast, luckly, I made it to the house before anything bad happened. Looking around under the hood, I couldn't find any leaks. So I restarted the tractor and found the cracked hose. The engine was covered in oil that was pulled thru the raditior and sprayed by the fan. Took the boken hose off, it was really full of cracks. Checked the other hose, it too was ready to go. Lost about 2 gal of fluid.
As a note, I still have orginal battery and it has caused a little corrosion in the front area.
Looks like every one needs to check their oil cooler hoses... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[MikePA]

murph, too bad this didn't happen to you 24 hours earlier. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I was at my dealer yesterday morning buying some maintenance items, read your post last night and checked these hoses this morning. Mine need replacing as well. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Here's a picture of both hoses. In the highlighted part, you can just see a split that runs from one hose clamp, almost to the other clamp. This split really opens up when the tractor is running. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif So, my TC25D is parked until tomorrow when I can make another 50 mile round trip to the dealer.

 

[have_blue]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Here's a picture of both hoses. In the highlighted part, you can just see a split that runs from one hose clamp, almost to the other clamp. )</font>

You see! The price of admission to this forum was just paid! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[thcri]

[quote You see! The price of admission to this forum was just paid! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )</font>

Yeah and I had to make a temporary fix to finish my project. Couldn't get the right hose or one with a bend in it so I made a longer one and put a loop in it. But when the replacement hoses come in I will have to drop the hydraulic oil out of the cooler, some loss I guess. Not to mention all the grass I killed with the hydraulic fluid spilling all over.

murph

murph

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue">I will have to drop the hydraulic oil out of the cooler </font>
A week ago I replaced all my hyd fluid, and the filters, with Amsoil. Sigh. Glad I bought extra oil. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[MikePA]

I made the trip to the dealer after calling to be sure they had the hoses in stock. They had three /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif, which I found a bit odd since the tractor needs 2 of them. So, I bought all three ($6.19 each) and new hose clamps ($0.75 each). I just finished installing them.

I placed cardboard behind the cooler and down across the battery then formed it so the fluid would run across the cardboard and down into a drain pan I placed on the floor. I was surprised how much I had to tighten the clamps and also how much these new hoses swelled when I started up the tractor.

A question...the metal tubes, as well as the fittings on the oil cooler, had a rib running around the pipe where the hose slips on. Where's the proper place to put the clamp, between the rib and the end of the pipe or on the other side? Or doesn't it matter?

Did this question make sense? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Mrwurm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( question...the metal tubes, as well as the fittings on the oil cooler, had a rib running around the pipe where the hose slips on. Where's the proper place to put the clamp, between the rib and the end of the pipe or on the other side? Or doesn't it matter?
)</font>

I would say 'on the other side'.

Just checked my TC30 to see if I have a similiar condition. My pipes run straight up with no bends. The pipes are connected to the oil cooler with little pieces of hose but they are straight. No formed curves in mine. I could not assess the condition of my hoses because they are wrapped with a nylon mesh which is clamped in place. I would have to loosen the clamps holding the hoses in place to inspect. With my plumbing history, anything I touch is likely to leak forever afterwards.

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue">With my plumbing history, anything I touch is likely to leak forever afterwards. </font>
I have similar problems with plumbing, which causes no end of issues in a house with just one bathroom!

The first time, I tightened the hose clamps to what I thought was an adequate amount, then started the tractor. A small but steady stream of oil flowed from three of the four possible locations. I tightened the hose clamps until the leaking stopped. Wiped up the hoses, then started the tractor up. Couldn't see any leaks. I'll check again the next time I have to use the tractor. I left the hood up, and the cardboard shielding in place just to remind myself. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[thcri]

When I get my new hoses it should be easy for me to drain the cooler. I have a longer hose temporary hose on and should be able to take off on the lower end and place in a jug and let it drain there. Just seems weird to have two hoses going like that on a two year old rig. I have only had it a year and it did sit on the lot for a summer also.

murph