BX2370 bubbles in HST

[chucky79]

I have a new bx2370 with 23hrs on it and noticed i have bubbles visible in my HST fluid when i pull the dipstick after working with the tractor. They pop/dissipate or whatever you wanna call it after a short time and the fluid looks clear and normal color. Fluid level checks out good since getting it and hasn't dropped or leaked anywhere that ive noticed. Does this sound normal to you all?

 

[dodge man]

Does it run and pull ok? If so, don't worry about it. If the level is ok I'd say your good. The only thing that would cause bubbles would be an air leak.

 

[chucky79]

I used the bx today to mow and haul for about 2 hours and everything seemed ok. I tried to get a pic of the bubbles but the light and angle was to difficult. I did get right off and pull the dipstick to check the bubbles and watched them disipate. took about 15 seconds and they all popped and the fluid was clean and clear again. I called my dealer and he said not to worry but he would check for air leaks at my service. I read online about foam and water in fluid but doesnt look like that. I think its almost like carbination on the top of a glass of soda. Small bubbles that clear out quickly if that make sence... Someone else pointed out there are gears in there moving and causing a disturbance in the fluid so these bubbles are to be expected. the fact that they clear out so quickly shouldnt be any concern and sounds normal. yall agree?
?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I was having some steering issues with a Kubota F3080 which just recently got resolved but prior to resolving what was causing the issue Steve Barlow told me to check and see if there were bubbles on the dipstick when the intermittent problem happened on mine. Never any bubbles and have never seen any bubbles on other Kubotas and I've had a few.
First off I wouldn't worry about it, I'd just use the machine like it is perfect. If the bubbles are a real problem then you'll start having issues which will be covered under warranty. It seems possible that air has gotten into the system which could have happened during the original filling and they may work themselves out of the system. If they continue then inform the dealer when you take it in for first service, which I would only do if there are warranty issues or other needs for service or if first service is free.
First 50 hour service is really easy to do and good for owner to do to get better aquainted with your machine.
In my opinion, no, it's not normal to have visible bubbles on the dipstick but it's not something I'd worry about unless it continues after the first 30 to 40 hours. If so, then there is an air leak or open valve letting air into the system. There is an air relief valve which can be heard fairly well when one steers/turn steering wheel which is more noticeable on some Kubotas models more than others.

 

[Egon]

What's the condition of the filters?

 

[chucky79]

Mine are the original factory filters. Just got BX in May and has 27 hours on it as of today. Need anymore info?

 

[skyhook]

I'm no expert in hydraulics but if the level hasn't went down and there are no leak's,
I would think it's just working the air out of the system, being that new.
If thats the case, they should go away in time.

 

[Egon]

Mine are the original factory filters. Just got BX in May and has 27 hours on it as of today. Need anymore info?

If the filters are not allowing full flow bubbles may form. ? ?

 

[chucky79]

If the filters are not allowing full flow bubbles may form. ? ?

i assume they are being that they are OEM, New, and only have 27 hours. How could a guy test this?

 

[Egon]

Only way is to look at the filters but that means draining all the oil. Too much work for just a guess and seeing all is working fine.

 

[chucky79]

its probably all fine, im just OCD and this was a really large purchase for me that i expect to last 20 years is why i worry.

 

[Egon]

For peace of mind do talk to the dealer and make sure it is recorded for warranty purposes.

When you got old stuff like me and no way to replace it then the worries really start.

 

[AStanton]

I'm no big time wrench, but my understanding is that dissimilar fluids can cause foaming. Just a thought.

 

[radioman]

some bubbles is ok , alot is a problem. I would check the hst fluid level when its cold. do not overfill the line. keep it near full. You will be fine with some bubbles after you use it, its probably the detergent in oil keeping everything clean.

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

No idea what's going on, but let me barf this out for consideration:

I had a pin-hole leak in the hyd. trim pump on my boat. It was spraying back into the reservoir and causing it to foam. It wasn't really causing problems (yet) but got replaced on GPs.

A little air in my trim cylinders wouldn't cause issues but foaming a lubricating fluid that's running across gears and what not might.

Any chance to compare yours to another similar machine. If it's radically different it might merit a closer look.

Just sayin',
Z.

 

[amigauser]

I used to own a BX1860 and it also had some small surface bubbles in the hydro reservoir after use. I think that is normal if it is just a few bubbles. Now if it is actually foaming up that is an issue.

 

[chucky79]

Any chance to compare yours to another similar machine. If it's radically different it might merit a closer look.

i just had this exact idea. There are plenty of BX owners out there so maybe someone would be wiling to go drive theirs around for 5 minutes and then immediately jump off and look down the HST dispstick hole for me to see if theirs bubbles up too. Then watch to see if there are bubbles that they disappear in less than a minute or so. I don't know anyone around here with a BX to compare it too or i would... If no one can then ill make a trip to my dealer soon to test drive one of his and compare.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

i just had this exact idea. There are plenty of BX owners out there so maybe someone would be wiling to go drive theirs around for 5 minutes and then immediately jump off and look down the HST dispstick hole for me to see if theirs bubbles up too. Then watch to see if there are bubbles that they disappear in less than a minute or so. I don't know anyone around here with a BX to compare it too or i would... If no one can then ill make a trip to my dealer soon to test drive one of his and compare.

Since I can drive by my dealer (Barlows) almost every other day without going out of my way, actually shorter distance than new bypass way, I've done the "go try another new one on his lot to see if it does the same thing" method a few times. Plus I ask Gary the exmechanic parts man my question and if he hum haws then I ask Steve Barlow or John the master mechanic.

 

[chucky79]

my dealer is close too and super nice, even gave me his cell number. Ill prob just stop in the morning to check it out. Ive done that "stop and compare" method myself a few times.

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

Refresh my elderly memory: are you seeing bubbles on the dipstick or down in the HST itself?

I don't know if my BX24 HST is identical/similar/totally different from yours but I just tested it and there are no bubbles on the stick after operating for a while. I wouldn't be able to see into the HST without a flashlight. Certainly no bubbles up on the filler neck /dipstick receiver.

How full are you running this thing?

Z.