50 Hour Service

[pooters]

Hello,

Seems like a few folks are over-filling fluids while performing services on their tractors. Is there quite a bit of residual fluids remaining after pulling the plugs and filters? Are there any tricks for better draining? Like getting the tractor up to operating temp before service? Setting the implements in a certain position? Can you bump the engine starter to get better drainage?

Thanks!

CK 20 HST
50 hrs

 

[IslandTractor]

I wouldn't worrry about it. No one truly drains an engine of every last drop. It is not that there are toxins of some sort that will contaminate the new fluids. The new fluids/filters simply add more reserve lubricant capacity and filter changes just insure continued oil cleaning capacity.

 

[pooters]

Island Tractor,

Thanks for the info. I'm sure I'll be elbow-deep in UTF in a couple of hours. Can't wait!

 

[pooters]

Got through what I think is the most difficult part of the 50 hour service... changing the transmission/hydraulic oil and filters and the engine oil and filter.

The only difficulty I had was trying to remove the engine oil filter. That thing must have been put on with an impact wrench. An oil filter wrench didn't even budge it. To get it off, I had to drive a large screwdriver through the filter with a hammer and then use all of the strength and body weight I could muster to get the thing to even start to move. It took me about 4 or 5 strained pulls to remove it. Not good for the old hemies, if you know what I mean.

All other filters and plugs came off surprisingly easy. Glad I did it myself. The alternative was to schlep the tractor 60 miles to the nearest dealer. Yuk.

Reading the discussions on DYI servicing really increased my knowledge base, taught me a few tricks and gave confidence.

Thanks to all for your help.

06 CK20HST

 

[PAB_OH]

You are about the third or fourth person to say that about one of the filters being so tight.

I was apprehensive about it so I bought a filter wrench. I never needed it. Glade you made it through with no major problems. Don't forget to grease all the zerks. If the 20 is anything like the 30 there's a bunch of them!

 

[pooters]

Thanks, PAB OH. Breaking out the grease gun tomorrow and, hopefully, will finish-up the service. Still have the front axel to do and a few other checks listed in the manual.

 

[JoelD]

Go through the manual a couple of times, seems like there's a million zerks, good thing, but easy to miss some. You've got courage removing the filter as you did, glad all is well that ends well. Happy motoring. Oh yeah, always clean the zerk with a rag prior to hooking up the grease gun.

 

[pooters]

Hi JoelD,

Just curious. How would you have removed a stuck oil filter? My filter wrench didn't budge it and I didn't have any large channel locks at hand. Anything else I could have done without puncturing the filter? I realize that you don't want to puncture the filter too close to the engine as you would damage the threads on the engine block. I would have definitely been up a creek if that happened.

RE the zerks, good advice. I purchased a kit of spares, including some 90's, just in case.

Thanks!

 

[jim_n_nh]

You can wrap it with a bicycle inner tube and a long screwdriver can be twisted into the tube to give you the leverage.

 

[PAB_OH]

I've always used the screwdriver/puncture method for the sticky filters too. In my experience if a filter wrench and ratchet (with a cheater bar) doesn't budge it the inner tube method probably won't either though it is similar to another suggestion. Strap wrenches.

I guess if the tube is strong enough that you won't destroy it while wrenching on it with the screwdriver it's identical to a strap wrhenc, eh?

I still like the screwdriver through the filter method. Makes me feel more like a man and helps release some of the frustration created by the situation...

 

[pooters]

Admittedly, I did buy a cheapo filter wrench. Metal strap and not much of a lever on it. Maybe it's time to invest in a good one.

Thanks for the comments!

 

[Evidence8489]

get a strap wrench,, two sizes,, a large one and a smaller one.. great for anything round, square or otherwise that needs budging

 

[pooters]

Thanks, Evidence. I'll check them out.

 

[Cyberroc]

Was the engine hot or cold when you tried to pull it? While I have not done this on full size tractors I have had occasions when one of two things would help loosen a stubborn filter.

One thing I have tried is to try and loosen the filter when the engine is warm, not enough to lose fluid, just enough to break the seal before changing it. One engine I had would always need to have this performed.

On another I have had to heat the filter when the engine was cold. Not that I would recommend taking a torch to it, I just found a safe way to only heat the filter. Physics should support that if the filter threads are heated and slightly expanded when the engine is cold, even just a fraction, it should assist in removal.

Please note that these techniques were not used on 'real' tractors, so if these techniques are not recommended or allowed by your dealer, please do not try them. This is only a reference of what I have tried. Insert CYA statement here.

In all cases, I have always used a really good filter wrench with a large handle, just remember not to apply too much force as you don't want to risk damage. Oh and check with your dealer as they might offer suggestions as well.

Good luck!

 

[mab]

Admittedly, I did buy a cheapo filter wrench. Metal strap and not much of a lever on it. Maybe it's time to invest in a good one.

Thanks for the comments!

Hi pooters,

I too have a ck20 with under 100 hours and i performed the 50 hr service myself. Yes, the oil filter was the tightest of the bunch and i used a rubber strap wrench to remove it. The next alternative for me was going to be a couple of stainless hose clamps, threaded together and wrapped around the filter. This way you can tap on the gear tightener of the strap with a screwdriver and a hammer, usually enough to get the filter to start moving. After this, remove the stainless straps and use an ordinary filter wrench, strap wrench, whatever. At least this avoids the screwdriver through the filter!

Happy motoring (great machine isn't it?)!

Mark

 

[IslandTractor]

I have tried a couple of different oil filter wrenches. Most recently I had success with a type that is basically a nylon/poly strap wrapped around a square metal pipe sized to allow a 1/2 inch rachet to be attached and apply twist. It did not damage the filter and was easy to set up and get appropriate clearances to use. Got it at Napa.