Need help from the IHCC gods... IHCC 682

[ThatMowerGuy]

So I recently sold my non running 149 hydro barn find after found out it had a broken connecting rod and it wasn't going to be anytime soon that I would have time for an engine rebuild.
I have since found and purchased a 682 for an outstanding can't pass it up price!
Yes I know I don't think it is technically a IHCC its a CCC because of the MTD purchase in 81, (black rear end) But I think it was still built with the IHCC design.
I was told it ran good and worked good until parked because the PTO belt broke and the guy couldn'f figure out how to put an new one on it.
After a good carb cleanout (of a brand new carb that he had paid to have put on it), it runs beautifully (besides being a gas hog, OMG!!!). It idles and runs so smooth and quiet its amazing.
It has the upgraded series 2 17hp kohler in it, was installed in 2000 at 850 hrs and the machine currently has 1291 hrs on it.

Here is the deal, when I bought it, I noticed that the left side engine head cover (shroud) was missing... I asked him about it and he said it was off when he got it because every now and then the starter bendix would stick and not engage.
So it was left off for quick access... The problem, as most of us know, is that the air from the flywheel is going to escape and make it run hotter....
So I fabricated up a piece of sheetmetal and put a cover on it. The engine runs sooooo good and quiet when first starting it up but after about 5-10 mins of running and warming up, a slightly noticable tap / knock can be heard on that same side of the engine.
The oil doesn't look bad at all, although I do not truly know the weight that is in it but the guy said he ran 30W. It is also just slightly overfull, I mean ever so slightly....
The engine doesn't smoke AT ALL!!! None!!! Not even when I first started it and he said it hadn't been started / used in 2 years! NO SMOKE!!
Obviously it is a heat related noise but I'm just wondering what it could be and if it is somthing that needs attention now...

[J-Mech]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. If it is just a slight knock, I'd say your imagination is fearing the worst. If there is no shield on that side it may just be less things for noise to travel through. Unless you plan on tearing it down just to look, I'd get a cover on it and don't worry.

[ThatMowerGuy]

I have put a cover on it, I put one on before ever running it very long.
I knew if it didn't have one it would run hotter on that side but it had been running that way since the guy I got it from had bought it. He said he used it for 2 years before the belt broke.
Just kinda worried me after I heard it doing it after it is hot, even with the new cover installed.
And I know that it is installed good because I replicated the other side almost exactly, same spacing from the head, lenght, & bends...
I painted it black and it took my buddy that went with me to help load it up, a double take to see that it wasn't factory lol!

Also were is the hydo fluid resivoir (if there is one) or where do you check it?
The pump and rear end was covered in oil/dirt paste and it took forever with a power washer to get MOST of it off not even all of it... After that the hydro seemed a lot more peppy. It has to be running a LOT cooler...

[J-Mech]

From the pics it looks like you still have a cast rear end.... There is a check plug above the hitch on the rear. That is the fill hole too. Fill it till it runs out of the hole.

[ThatMowerGuy]

What fluid should I top it off with? OR should I just change it completely since I don't know what exactly is in there now. Are there any good additives to put in with it to help seal up any small leaks?
The pump and rear end was nothing but a big grease ball when I got it but it was not and is not leaving any drips behing anywhere. Not even where it had been sitting for 2 years...

[ACecil]

I would change the fluid and use Hy-Tran.

[bolivier]

I saw that puppy yesterday. I text him and asked if he would trade the rear tires for some turfs of the same size. Plus a little cash. He obviously declined nicely. You talk him down any?? Interested in swapping tires?

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by ThatMowerGuy

What fluid should I top it off with? OR should I just change it completely since I don't know what exactly is in there now. Are there any good additives to put in with it to help seal up any small leaks?
The pump and rear end was nothing but a big grease ball when I got it but it was not and is not leaving any drips behing anywhere. Not even where it had been sitting for 2 years...

It's always a good idea to change fluid in a new-to-you machine. Never know what a PO may have put in, or how long it's been since it's been changed. International Hy-Tran is the recommended fluid. It can be purchased at an IH dealer. There is a constant debate on this site about fluid for the rears of these machines, but it there seems to be a consensus that Hy-Tran approved fluid from TSC or Rural King is fine. I personally have ran both. I prefer the Hy-Tran IH fluid because of its ability to emulsify water. DO NOT add anything other than oil to the rear. ABSOLUTELY NO STOP LEAK. I don't care what they say, it's not good on the hydro. If it leaks, FIX IT. I would say just a lack of keeping the machine clean made it greasy. Just watch for leaks. Oh, and change the filter too!

[SGragg]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Oh, and change the filter too!

And make sure it's a hydro filter, not a motor oil filter.