Ford 3000 Steering Fluid

[pritchbrian]

My ford 3000 "I believe 74 model but not positive" has been leaking an almost clear fluid so today I took the shields off to see that the fluid is coming from the gear box cover on the right hand side. I took the cover off and cleaned it up. I am not very mechanical so no am not sure what to do. Does this cover need a gasket before I replace it? Then I am not sure what kind of lube I need to use in this box and where to fill it. im sorry I feel really dumb. I purchased this tractor from a widow lady and do not have an owners manual. The tractor does have power steering. I hope I put enough detail for someone to help me out. Everything was working great before I found the leak. Thanks so much for the help...

 

[pritchbrian]

I have attached pic when I had the gear box cover off if this will help. Thanks again.

 

[jimmysisson]

Maybe you'd want one of these: 1965-1975 Ford Tractor Repair Shop Manual Reprint 2000 3000 4000 5000 7000 or similar.
Clear fluid - like water? Was it stored outside? Maybe steering column leaking into that gearbox somehow. It doesn't look like there's any water around though, and that oil probably wasn't changed in a couple of decades. Maybe someone overfilled it? For now, I'd make a thin gasket with the ball-pein method and remount the cover, then clean up around the housing and wait to see if it leaks again. Good luck.
Jim