Air can't escape, nothing can escape. Those valves release and allow the fluid to bypass the pump so the tractor can be rolled, without them the tractor would be unmovable. Overfilling the rearend has nothing to do with them leaking.

That's what I needed to know - thanks !

Nice looking 1811 and blower! Those 450 blowers are getting hard to find in good original condition. Glad you're enjoying it so far. And yes, get those auto-release valves pulled and rebuilt when there's a break in the weather. They can let go all at once and make a big mess and ruin all your fun.

Well the last couple days have been a good work out for my 1811 with 450 blower. We got just over a foot with some nice 4-5 ft drifts from a nice Noreaster . Very impressed how she handled it.

I definitely need more weight on the back of the tractor for the bottom of my driveway though . The grade is pretty steep and I slip even in slush pulling back up . Finding the right speed and leaning back over the back wheels with a nice run up seems to be best. I think a few suitcase weights will fix it and if it doesn't will think about filling the tyres.

I did notice the V- belt the previous owner installed on the 450 and had written in pen under the hood was 5/8 x 82" ...the part number states an 84" ...will the 82" be too tight and be likely to break on me . ? - seems to be working o.k...

Thanks a lot again guys!
Tom