102 transmission questions

[Tagcab7]

Hello everyone, got a few questions about fluid type and level. I checked the hy trans level in my 102 gear driven transmission the other day and it was a little low. I had 1/2 a quart of case hy trans left so I added that but I’m still just a touch below the fill plug. Is it ok to top off with a generic brand? The brand is Harvest King. It states that it replaces IH hy trans. Also, the manual says that the transmission holds 7 pints which is 3 1/2 quarts according to my math. When I changed it a few months back that’s how much I added and I thought I had it full so I’m not sure why I was low. As near as I can tell it’s not leaking. The PO said he had only ever put IH or Case hy trans in it but hadn’t changed it for a long time. (I bought it a few months ago). It has a 90 degree elbow in the fill plug hole so it’s possible that I didn’t have it full but thought I did by trying to judge from looking in the elbow. This time when I added I took the elbow off. Is it possible the transmission holds more than 3 1/2 quarts? Thanks.

[finsruskw]

Drain it, flush it and replace with straight 30 weight, lots cheaper and recommended in the FSM

[Cubcadet_107]

I second the 30 wt. Last year I changed the fluid in the rear of my 106 and filled it with 30 wt. Barely makes a sound. The capacity of the unit is 3.5 quarts, you only need enough oil to coat the bottom gears, they will carry the oil up to the top gears. Personally I'd get rid of the 90 degree elbow, seems like it might slow down the filling process.

[RustyShackleford]

Agreed, I see no issue with filling the gear drive units with 30W. The 7pt figure really is just a ballpark number; fill it until it’s level with the threads of the fill port. Drain and fill once a season for $10 in oil.

[Cubcadet_107]

I managed to fit about 4 quarts into my 106. Much cheaper than hytran, about $10 for a 5 quart jug at the local TSC (that price probably went way up) and I got an extra quart for another engine project. Every season might be overkill though, the oil doesn't do much. Although the manual states it, I can't see it needing to be changed more than once every 4-5 years. As long as moisture isn't finding its way in there you should be fine. The stuff I drained was at least 20 years old and still sorta worked.

[RustyShackleford]

If I had more than one workhorse tractor I probably wouldn’t drain and fill them all once a year.

[Cubcadet_107]

It probably comes down to how much you use your machine in a year. The more you use it, the more you'll want to change the fluid.

[Tagcab7]

Thanks for the replies. I like the idea of using 30 weight. Simpler and easier to get for me. How does it do in cold weather? I had wondered about the yearly fluid change. If I was to drain and flush it before switching to the 30 weight what should I use to flush it with? I think I will eliminate the elbow. Adding fluid was a lot faster without it.

[finsruskw]

It will stick to the gears and stay put longer in cold weather is all.

[Tagcab7]

Well I’m sold on the 30 weight. I think I’ll still top off the hy trans and use it since it’s only been a few months ago I put it in but when it’s time to change it I’ll switch over to the 30.