Another L3800 Question?

[old and tired]

Post if adding dye is worth it...

Everyone says yes, it's worth it.

Only thing I would do differently with the dye is use less. I used half a bottle, 1/4 bottle would be enough to give it color to see.

 

[old and tired]

...Run it very gently down the drive and
back to mix the dye then drain it a qt at a time until it's registering correctly.
Dano

It will mix just fine, sitting there. I would NOT drive it around. The pumps will circulate the hydraulic oil at the rate of about 6-7 gallons per minute. I would be surprised if you need to even run it for that long to see the dye show up in the glass...

So you most likely will need to drain out (suck out) that 3 gallons you added.

I run my hydraulics with an extra gallon (or so) because there was a Product Improvement Bulletin where the early models of these "Standard" L's with ratching CAMS had their oil level elevated by 1.?? (something) gallons to submerge the CAMS in oil. That was Kubota engineers that came up with that solution. The sight glass was replaced with a dip stick to measure the higher level.

I don't think running extra oil is a problem - the size of the oil sump/tank is mainly to deal with cooling the oil. I lost 3 gallons and were still able to drive the tractor back to the house, with no problem.

 

[ultrarunner]

It will mix just fine, sitting there. I would NOT drive it around. The pumps will circulate the hydraulic oil at the rate of about 6-7 gallons per minute. I would be surprised if you need to even run it for that long to see the dye show up in the glass...

So you most likely will need to drain out (suck out) that 3 gallons you added.

I run my hydraulics with a extra gallon because there was a Product Improvement Bulletin where the early models of these "Standard" L's with ratching CAMS had their oil level elevated by 1.?? (something) gallons to submerge the CAMS in oil. That was Kubota engineers that came up with that solution. The sight glass was replaced with a dip stick to measure the higher level.

I don't think running extra oil is a problem - the size of the oil sump/tank is mainly to deal with cooling the oil. I lost 3 gallons and were still able to drive the tractor back to the house, with no problem.

If you have a sight glass older model how would you know the level of the extra gallon with the sight glass submerged?

 

[bookemdano]

It holds 7.26 gal and I figured there would be instructions as to how much to use.
If not, then a little goes a long way is always a good policy.
Dano

 

[old and tired]

If you have a sight glass older model how would you know the level of the extra gallon with the sight glass submerged?

If I see the bubble, I add another gallon. About to do that again since I noticed the bubble while on a side hill.

Plus (or minus) 1.5 gallons isn't a problem in my mind...

 

[bookemdano]

It will mix just fine, sitting there. I would NOT drive it around. The pumps will circulate the hydraulic oil at the rate of about 6-7 gallons per minute. I would be surprised if you need to even run it for that long to see the dye show up in the glass...

So you most likely will need to drain out (suck out) that 3 gallons you added.

I run my hydraulics with a extra gallon because there was a Product Improvement Bulletin where the early models of these "Standard" L's with ratching CAMS had their oil level elevated by 1.?? (something) gallons to submerge the CAMS in oil. That was Kubota engineers that came up with that solution. The sight glass was replaced with a dip stick to measure the higher level.

I don't think running extra oil is a problem - the size of the oil sump/tank is mainly to deal with cooling the oil. I lost 3 gallons and were still able to drive the tractor back to the house, with no problem.

Good advice. I'll do it that way and try drain out most of what I put in. Wish it had a
dip stick like my BX2680 has. Always did think that sight window wasn't the best
idea in the world.
Dano

 

[old and tired]

I would love to know how much oil is in the system (cylinders, filters and hoses) vs. just oil sitting in the tank. My guess would be less than a gallon.

 

[bookemdano]

If I see the bubble, I add another gallon. About to do that again since I noticed the bubble while on a side hill.

Plus (or minus) 1.5 gallons isn't a problem in my mind...

Thanks. I'll drain it till I can see a level in the window then slowly add fluid untl the
window is full. Sound about right?
Dano

 

[old and tired]

Thanks. I'll drain it till I can see a level in the window then slowly add fluid untl the
window is full. Sound about right?
Dano

That works

 

[bookemdano]

That works