BCS 852 Leaker

PhilG327 · Jul 13, 2014

My 852 has the 13hp Honda engine and is about 10 years old now. Last year, I noticed small puddles under the transmission/engine junction but in my usual pattern I ignored it. The puddles are getting larger this year, especially after a good workout with the brush mower (like yesterday around my grape vines). I have only had to add small quantities of oil from time to time to top it off, but it probably is time to fix it once and for all before switching to the snow blower attachment for winter. There appears to be 3 separate places where the engine, adapters and transmission meet and any one of those could be the culprit. Any suggestions where to begin to find the leak ? I don't want to tear the whole thing down unless I have to. Even worse would be to take it to a local shop and pay them to tear the whole thing down. Advice is welcome !

Tbolt76 · Jul 13, 2014

Are you suggesting the engine crankshaft is leaking or the input shaft on the trans? I don't recall a seal on the outside of the engine housing where the crank comes out. I've seen the trans input shaft leak gear oil before. Smell it for the typical acrid smell of 90w gear oil.
Tom

jomifo · Jul 15, 2014

I've had the Honda GX390 leak oil at the filler cap. Pretty sure this was due to filling the oil all the way to the brim (as your supposed to on this motor) and then when the oil warms up after use and expands it seeps out at the filler cap. This leak tends to run down the engine and can look like it is coming from the area where the engine and transmission meet, but in actuality it's not.

A little coming out the filler cap I did not consider serious. Not saying this is your issue, but might be worth checking into.

rickyd79 · Jul 18, 2014

I have an 850 that was leaking it sounds like from the same area as you mention. It smelled like 90w oil to me, so I pulled the engine off and it appears to be leaking from the seal on the main drive shaft of the tractor. I am in the process of replacing that seal now. We shall see how it goes.

PhilG327 · Jul 28, 2014

Ran the BCS with the brush mower for about an hour today, cutting the weeds and etc. along the road. Parked it in a spot in the barn with no previous drips from any machine, and after 2 hours of waiting I found not a drop. Both engine and trans appear to have plenty of fluid (as far as I can tell). It will be interesting to see if it starts to leak after it sits all nite or not. Suggestions ? Ignore it ?

TimberXX · Apr 15, 2015

Phil, how did you end up with this leak?

PhilG327 · Apr 16, 2015

TimberXX said:
Phil, how did you end up with this leak?

As it happens, it still leaks - a little now. After sitting almost all winter (no big snow for the snowblower attachment), I discovered a puddle under it in early February. Shop found a loose bolt and changed the oil for me, but after using the brush mower attachment for about 1/2 an hour last week I found another small puddle under it. I may have no choice but to try another BCS shop.

oldmech · Apr 16, 2015

Hi! I think oil is come from transmission input shaft. I learn with time. Do not overfill transmission oil. Do not park or work for long time with engine very down. Oil go front and leak. Park engine with transmission at level or rear down. So less trouble for me now.
Good luck! Oldmech

PhilG327 · Apr 19, 2015

Thank you for the advice. My 852 always sits with the front of the engine down with all my attachments (brush hog, sickle mower and snow blower). I'll put a couple of 2x4's under the front and see if that helps. Thanks again.