Trans fluid and filter change

Mocrazy1 · #1 02-21-2018, 07:39 PM

Hi all. Had a question. Acquired a 1986 1211 hydro, from an older gentleman, that had the misfortune of loosing the engine oil drain plug, while running tractor. Broke the connecting rod, so I rebuilt the Kohler M12. Runs pretty good. Thought I read somewhere that the axle tubes can collect water in them, causing them to split in freezing temps. I've kept her in heated garage because I didn't want to tempt fate. Is there a fix for this? I'd like to store her in unheated space next year. Figured the time to attempt anything, is when doing the oil change and filter. Thanks for any input.

J-Mech · #2 02-21-2018, 07:46 PM

Here is the fix:

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=24352

Welcome to the forum!

Mocrazy1 · #3 02-21-2018, 08:22 PM

Thanks Jonathan. I knew I had seen that info somewhere. Man that's a lot to digest. Really didn't want to disassemble the whole axle. I might just attempt the suction method. I imagine new axle seals are needed, after the suction procedure. Man, just the filter and oil change is pushing $70 not including gasket. I started this hobby with a 1967 Wheel Horse Commando 6 given to me the beginning of last summer. Then the 1211, and since a 1981 Case 210 for blowing snow. I love all the old tractors, accept the Green colored ones. Hope I don't get banned from this sight for having varied allegiances. The Cub is great, and the only hydro I have. Maintaining all this stuff is almost as expensive as my 1970 Roadrunner, but still enjoyable. Thanks again.

Duane4238 · #4 03-10-2018, 02:33 PM

Hi all. I took an interest in this thread because I have a '93 1340 and have never changed the hydro oil or the filter. When I bought the tractor in '93, the dealer told me there was no filter provisions and that all I needed to do was keep the oil level up on the transmission. Last year when I bought my new GSX, I started tinkering with the 1340 and found that there is a filter. I changed it and the hydro oil and am now wondering about what's in the axle tubes. I read the write up and viewed the pictures on modifying the rear by adding the drain back holes but am wondering if that's necessary. Couldn't a drain hole be drilled into the bottom of each axle tube and then a threaded plug added? Or maybe a hole in the top of the tube and then use the mity vac or a suction gun to suction out what's in the tube? Or maybe I'm just missing something here. I really don't want to tear the whole rear apart just to add the 2 drain back holes. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks.
Duane

J-Mech · #5 03-10-2018, 04:42 PM

Duane, if you don't want to tear it apart and drill the holes, then just leave it alone.

You can't put a hole in the top, the axle inside will keep you from sucking the oil out. I suppose you could drill a hole in the lower part and thread a plug, but you better guess right on where to put the hole on the first attempt. Axle is pretty thick, and odd shaped. Plus the oil that is in the tubes has no way to circulate back to the rear. Drilling holes in the rear housing allows the oil to circulate.

Duane4238 · #6 03-10-2018, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Duane, if you don't want to tear it apart and drill the holes, then just leave it alone.

You can't put a hole in the top, the axle inside will keep you from sucking the oil out. I suppose you could drill a hole in the lower part and thread a plug, but you better guess right on where to put the hole on the first attempt. Axle is pretty thick, and odd shaped. Plus the oil that is in the tubes has no way to circulate back to the rear. Drilling holes in the rear housing allows the oil to circulate.

I guess my concern with putting the drain holes in the center housing was that it then allows any water that's condensed in the axle tubes to drain back into the rearend and contaminate everything in there. That doesn't solve the water problem but creates another. I'd rather remove it from the tubes by draining it off somehow. Tearing apart these little lawnmowers isn't the problem, as I'm usually busy working on much larger equipment. Currently in the barn are Ford 860, Ford 2000, JD750, JD1530, and a JD2355 along with many implements. Now trying to get things ready for spring.
Duane