Leak in the middle

GMtb42 · Mar 26, 2013

I noticed the other day a drop of oil on the ground under the tractor, got to looking and saw a couple of more beads of oil coming from a inspection hole in the mid section (section between the motor and rear-end) of the tractor, anyone have a manual and can tell me what it might be leaking in there, can't get a good line of sight to inspect the area. Would be much obliged for the info. 2004 CK20HST

Thanks in advance.

Willl · Mar 26, 2013

Usually indicates a rear main seal leak.

GMtb42 · Mar 26, 2013

Looks and smells like Hydro fluid not motor oil.

Sawworcs · Mar 26, 2013

Check the test ports on the top and the side of the HST. I believe there are 5 or 6 ports for testing pressures. The ports have a Allen head on them and if they back out the o ring will blow out causing a leak that looks like the main seal on the hst. Hope this helps as it is an easy fix.

GMtb42 · Mar 26, 2013

Sawworcs said:
Check the test ports on the top and the side of the HST. I believe there are 5 or 6 ports for testing pressures. The ports have a Allen head on them and if they back out the o ring will blow out causing a leak that looks like the main seal on the hst. Hope this helps as it is an easy fix.

Will try and find tomorrow.

GMtb42 · Mar 27, 2013

Sawworcs said:
Check the test ports on the top and the side of the HST. I believe there are 5 or 6 ports for testing pressures. The ports have a Allen head on them and if they back out the o ring will blow out causing a leak that looks like the main seal on the hst. Hope this helps as it is an easy fix.

I think I found what you are describing, there are 5 plugs, 3 on top in a row and one on either side, they are tight, so main seal? If so what does that entail?

kiotiken · Mar 28, 2013

I had this problem on my CK30 and I've read a bunch of people with similar issues. Do a search, I know I've read a couple other threads either in the Kioti forum or the Bobcat forum, maybe somebody answered it. I'm not sure what the cause was on mine, I traded my tractor before my dealer fixed it, but it started with less than 100 hrs.

GMtb42 · Mar 29, 2013

GMtb42 said:
I think I found what you are describing, there are 5 plugs, 3 on top in a row and one on either side, they are tight, so main seal? If so what does that entail?

Got to looking further and saw 2 more plugs under the tractor, those were tight too. Darn!

GMtb42 · Mar 29, 2013

kiotiken said:
I had this problem on my CK30 and I've read a bunch of people with similar issues. Do a search, I know I've read a couple other threads either in the Kioti forum or the Bobcat forum, maybe somebody answered it. I'm not sure what the cause was on mine, I traded my tractor before my dealer fixed it, but it started with less than 100 hrs.

Okay thanks.

GMtb42 · Mar 29, 2013

kiotiken said:
I had this problem on my CK30 and I've read a bunch of people with similar issues. Do a search, I know I've read a couple other threads either in the Kioti forum or the Bobcat forum, maybe somebody answered it. I'm not sure what the cause was on mine, I traded my tractor before my dealer fixed it, but it started with less than 100 hrs.

I found this thread after a long search : http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/244056-small-hydro-leak-issue.html is this the one you are referring to?
Says o-ring leaking -- tractor split to replace.

kiotiken · Mar 30, 2013

Yup thats the one.

unimog_jason · Mar 30, 2013

That's not good news, mine has been dripping for a little while now and I only have 95 hours on the clock, probably around 60 when I first noticed it.

Mine is due for some warrantee work anyway, so I better send some pictures to my deal and make arrangements to get it fixed before the ground dries out and I need the tractor again.

Jason

GMtb42 · Mar 31, 2013

kiotiken said:
Yup thats the one.

Okay at least I know what to expect, doesn't look that hard to split at that point, a few bolts. Guess a manual/parts are in order and the time needed to do it then.
Glad it is just a o-ring.

GMtb42 · Mar 31, 2013

unimog_jason said:
That's not good news, mine has been dripping for a little while now and I only have 95 hours on the clock, probably around 60 when I first noticed it.

Mine is due for some warrantee work anyway, so I better send some pictures to my deal and make arrangements to get it fixed before the ground dries out and I need the tractor again.

Jason

Good idea.

kiotiken · Apr 2, 2013

GMtb42 said:
Okay at least I know what to expect, doesn't look that hard to split at that point, a few bolts. Guess a manual/parts are in order and the time needed to do it then.
Glad it is just a o-ring.

Glad it's something you're up for tackling, it's a little more than I'd be willing to try. Mine didn't start leaking until after they split the tractor to replace the HST. After they had done that, I had them add a cab, so splitting it again was going to be a little more challenging, but I guess they must do it all the time. Anyway, I was sure it was a seal that was damaged or an o-ring that didn't seat properly after the split, but never heard for sure.

BTI · Apr 2, 2013

It really isn't too bad of a job.
The hardest part for the home mechanic is holding the 2 1/2's up while it is split.

BTI

GMtb42 · Apr 2, 2013

BTI said:
It really isn't too bad of a job.
The hardest part for the home mechanic is holding the 2 1/2's up while it is split.

BTI

Yeah, that is what I was contemplating on, how to hold the 1/2s up. Was thinking of welding up some supports to carry the weight of the halves. Will wait till winter this year I suppose since mowing season is coming up.

Dingo Man · Apr 4, 2013

GMtb42 said:
I found this thread after a long search : http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/244056-small-hydro-leak-issue.html is this the one you are referring to?
Says o-ring leaking -- tractor split to replace.

Hey there this is Dingo Man who started that thread. My DK40 had a similar hydro leak. If you search my threads I actually posted a couple pics. Mine also leaked down through an access hole in the mid section. I never learned the cause of mine. After splitting the tractor three times Kioti authorized my dealer to install a brand new hydro pump, and it has not leaked since. They theorized the one of the out flow fiitings on the hydro pump was not machined quite right allowing it to leak even after reading o-rings.

My only suggestion is check your power steering lines up under your steering column. This is what they had me check first, and I know it is quite common on Kiotis that these lines loosen up and leak. I know the DK and CK are probably apples and oranges but that is my story. Good luck.

GMtb42 · Apr 5, 2013

Dingo Man said:
Hey there this is Dingo Man who started that thread. My DK40 had a similar hydro leak. If you search my threads I actually posted a couple pics. Mine also leaked down through an access hole in the mid section. I never learned the cause of mine. After splitting the tractor three times Kioti authorized my dealer to install a brand new hydro pump, and it has not leaked since. They theorized the one of the out flow fiitings on the hydro pump was not machined quite right allowing it to leak even after reading o-rings.

My only suggestion is check your power steering lines up under your steering column. This is what they had me check first, and I know it is quite common on Kiotis that these lines loosen up and leak. I know the DK and CK are probably apples and oranges but that is my story. Good luck.

Thanks for the reply Dingo Man. :thumbsup:
Yeah saw the picture, exact same spot this one is leaking.
Will post back after I do the o-ring replacement this Winter.