Small Hydraulic Fluid Leak

[Too many Kubotas]

Using RTV silicone in the presence of lubricants isn't all that good of an idea and a really bad idea around hydraulics as all it takes is a smidge of RTV in a hydraulic pump to uchere it.

Somebody should inform vehicle manufacturers about the evil RTV they use, in the presence of lubricants.

And there's no need to use so much that it can end up inside of what it's supposed to seal. Somewhat like that you cut out holes in the paper gaskets instead of putting the entire sheet on there.

 

[Robfnk]

My RK55 leaks in the same place. I checked into having it fixed under warranty but do to lack of help they said they would have to have it for several months. They tried to blame it on not checking the torque of the bolts but I did not find any loose. I am adding 1/2 to 1 quart of hydraulic fluid every time I use it. I am do for my maintenance soon so putting it off till then. Haven't decided weather I want to go with another liquid gasket or make a gasket to fit.

 

[Fxfymn413]

So basically what the dealer is telling you is that any warranty repair will take several months and that you will lose the use of a several thousand dollar machine in the meanwhile. Not acceptable!

As the old saying goes "Everybody has a boss." I'd keep pushing the issue up the chain of LS's staff until the problem is fixed in a prompt fashion, and that is not "several months" for what sounds like a 30 minute job. And I wouldn't be afraid to point out how their reputation is being ruined by posts such as this one.

I pass billboards on I-95 near the LS factory touting how good and reliable their machines are. Now make them live up to that claim.

I'd also demand reimbursement for the oil you are using to "fix" their problem.

 

[Bigfootconcepts]

Just to update everyone. My LS dealer has said this repair will be covered under the 6 year powertrain warrantee that LS offers. However, I may use a John Deere dealer to do the work cause he only charges $120 to transport the tractor to/from his dealership. I will have to pay for the work which is at $120/hr. So even if this repair takes 2 hours (which I hope is high), that's a total bill of $360 which is less than my LS dealer charges for transportation. They are about the same distance away. Only caveat is, the John Deere dealer has stated is if LS parts have to be ordered they won't do the work.

 

[GS650GL]

If the trucking is gonna cost that much at the LS dealer, I would rent, borrow, or buy a trailer unless you don't have a vehicle to pull it. Also, draining 12 gallons of oil shouldn't be a big problem. 5 gallon buckets are easy to find everywhere.

 

[rScotty]

Just to update everyone. My LS dealer has said this repair will be covered under the 6 year powertrain warrantee that LS offers. However, I may use a John Deere dealer to do the work cause he only charges $120 to transport the tractor to/from his dealership. I will have to pay for the work which is at $120/hr. So even if this repair takes 2 hours (which I hope is high), that's a total bill of $360 which is less than my LS dealer charges for transportation. They are about the same distance away. Only caveat is, the John Deere dealer has stated is if LS parts have to be ordered they won't do the work.

I think I would do the same. It sounds like the JD dealer has his own trailering setup - maybe they even have a mobile mechanic. The LS dealer might have to rent something - which would explain the difference in price.
What you want is an experienced mechanic. Some of the older JD dealers locally still have factory schooled mechanics who went to trade school. If so, he will be familiar with sealants and gaskets.

Take a look at a parts book for your model LS. In there you can see if there is a gasket or seal in that area. If so, it wouldn't hurt to provide them. RTV just makes a paper gasket work better.

And BTW, even though most makes of tractor are similar, an experienced mechanic always appreciates having a parts book handy. I don't know LS, but my favorite parts books have exploded illustrations rather than photos. Send yours along with the gaskets.
Luck,
rScotty

 

[rScotty]

Does this look like your leaky cover (21)?

 

[Bigfootconcepts]

Does this look like your leaky cover (21)?

View attachment 3574939

Yes, that's the cover #21.

 

[GS650GL]

Nobody seems to like RTV sealant, but that's what all manufacturers are using on transmission housings these days instead of gaskets, except a few that use anaerobic flange sealant such as Loctite 515, so anything that oozes out where the parts are bolted together will stay soft and never cure. Then you don't get long strings of cured sealant inside the housings like you do with RTV.

 

[Bigfootconcepts]

So when I suggested to my LS dealer that I may use a John Deere dealer for the fix, he suggested having his mechanic come to my place and I would only have to pay for his travel time ($220) as it was significantly less than his trailering fee ($600). Why he didn't suggest this in the beginning I don't know? His mechanic is scheduled to show up in 2 days to do the work.