The mystery of the failing tram seal

[Wyenot]

Good evening all,

I called Terry again today and thanked him for sending the seal, and we again went over this really weird issue. I told him I was going to drain the tank and while I was at it remove the drain line from the tram pump to the tank and check for any obstruction. Sure enough there was something in there. It looks like it is a cage bearing. I suggested to Terry that it came from the prior pump, but he said that it wouldn’t happen. No way for it to get there. So...is someone along the prior owner, or tractor shop playing some cruel joke? Or was it loose in there from the factory and just acting like a check valve every once in a while. Terry wants to have the hose and see what is in it. I sure didn’t put a bearing down the hose, that is for sure. I don’t know if the prior owner had the problem....they said they did not. Terry would have that record I guess. He didn’t say anything about it. So this is probably the source of the blowing seals. I hope. It was stuck in there pretty good. Couldn’t blow it our or move with a screw driver. Looks and see if you can tell what it is.....

 

[MossRoad]

YIKES!

 

[ptsg]

Yeah, I suspected about a restriction on the case drain lines but didn't expect it to be a ball bearing! Wow!

 

[marrt]

Good evening all, Sure enough there was something in there. It looks like it is a cage bearing...

Well, I said this would be an interesting one. This almost feels like intentional sabotage as I can see no way that bearing would be in that location. Hmm.

For what it's worth, it looks like you have the Bondioli & Pavesi NT10 pump. I believe this pump is no longer in production. I have a 425 with the same pump. It uses an "alloy" case (which I don't like). Is it a good pump? I have no idea. In my experience, the tram pump is a "wear item" on a PT and often has to be rebuilt from time to time anyway. One of the trade offs of having a relatively inexpensive and simple machine.

 

[cqaigy2]

Wow, bearing!

 

[Wyenot]

Yeah, It sure looks like some sick joke or they had a disgruntled employee making the hoses over at PT. Thanks for all the suggestions for fixes. Got me oil in, filter, and primed the pump as per the manual. Used the WIX one as I could get it locally and didn’t want to wait on PT. It is trimming fine and no cavitation sounds just the usual hydraulic whine. I used it to mow the back yard as a test. So far so good. I was mistaken on the current hours in my post. I thought it was an error on one of my papers, but it was dust on the clock. It obscured the top of the 7 in 579. So the last blow out I had was at 550. Just for accuracy sake. Now I can look forward to the next crazy PT event.

Virus comments deleted.

Going to use the PT for some gardening this weekend. Set up a greenhouse and start planting a victory garden. Will get the materials while I can, and see about having some dirt and sod delivered. Hope you will be keeping busy too. I intend to enjoy the spring regardless of what the rest of the world does. Get out in the sun and make a little vitamin D3. Breath the fresh oxygen in the air from the green grass and budding trees, and try not to OD on Zyrtec combatting the pollen. Hope to see more of what you guys post for projects. I will update you as well. See you in the next my subject post.

 

[MossRoad]

Glad you got it going again.

How about taking the virus talk over to the virus thread, though. Don't want to get stuff shut down here in the PT forums when there's good info to share. Thanks.

 

[Peter 315]

Glad you got it going again.

How about taking the virus talk over to the virus thread, though. Don't want to get stuff shut down here in the PT forums when there's good info to share. Thanks.

Moss Road cracking the whip......................

 

[cqaigy2]

Moss Road cracking the whip......................

Yup, good for him. Thanks Moss!

Also glad Wyenot got his PT sorted!!

 

[BobRip]

Glad you probably found the problem. Hopefully you will have many years of good service from now on.