Super leak on Super!

[squatch]

Last time I used the Rat Rod Super to mow this year it started leaking hydraulic fluid like crazy. It has always had a very minor drip after parking. Center gasket has been replaced several times but it's never gone completely away. Anyway It's been parked since then. Life has been stupid busy and I haven't had time to look at it. Till today. I finally got to a spot where I could open this can of worms.

I've suspected that maybe I had a small hairline crack somewhere and that's why I never completely fixed the old leak. Maybe that finally opened up?!

Well I pulled the seat and fender pan. I started the tractor after filling the transaxle and let it run. I ran it for a long time but no drip. HUH, this thing was leaving trails in the drive? So I started working the controls and raised and lowered the lift. Moved the steering but still no leak. I then worked the lever fore and aft a few times. Dang! Top line is leaking bad at the connection with the pump. BECAUSE the trans is pitching up and down in front as I move the tractor.

The bolts all seem tight so far. I have this bad feeling I have a broken mount! I should know tomorrow. I've got the rear wheels off, the frame on blocks, rear plate removed and oil drained. Tomorrow I'll finish pulling it out and see what gave way or if everything is just loose. I work this beast hard. I think I might be getting that iron rear and a set of Sam's braces after all.

[PGHsteelworker]

The hydraulic line is probably cracked. Check the axle tubes where the bolts go through from the frame also, they could be broken there also. Been there, not fun.

[squatch]

I looked up Sam's brace at Extreme. Does this brace interfere with the frame mounting bracket for the Haben Plow?

Does this work even if the front mounts are broken? I suspect that might be my case.

[Sam Mac]

Put the brace on and don't worry about the broken front mount. I tested them with the front mounts removed. The brace is also designed with the Haban attachment point in mind. Drain the oil, get the rear back in position and do one side at a time. Word of caution, when you pull the axel tube bolts support the tractor form the foot pad supports.

[squatch]

Thanks, The trans is coming out this afternoon. While I'm in there it will get cleaned and resealed. Frame is already on blocks.

I should be back into it in a few hours. I'll post up what I find.

[Sam Mac]

Good time to put axle seals in it since your pulling the rear and drill some oil drains.

[squatch]

Looks like I may have gotten lucky. So far all the mounts are intact. 2 front mount bolts were missing. Rest were loose. I must have just beat everything loose working it. All these bolts were blue Loc-tite'd too! I'll look for small cracks when I clean it all up. No sign of case leaks though. Just fluid pumping through the cracked line.

I ordered the SGT Braces from Extreme.

[PaulS]

Here is another suggestion for you. Make a tranny bolt check periodically as it is good to find a loose one before damage to the rear is done. I like those braces too as they really make the rear very solid and I have not found any loose bolts since I put the braces on.

[squatch]

I normally stay on top of checking bolts ect. I guess I've just been busy and it got away from me.

Got a nice heavy box today. It has some real purdy brackets from Extreme Motor Works in it. Won't be able to get back to the tractor for a couple of days. I'll try to post up some pics soon.

[squatch]

I've been juggling projects so I'm kinda slow getting this fixed. Got the trans-axle and pump cleaned tonight. I've gotten the new trans brace painted as well. With luck I'll be back in business tomorrow or the next day. More bad weather is on it's way.

Looks good so far. Haven't found any cracks or broken spots in the case.







New axle braces.


Getting primed.