Ford 861 Transmission Oil Milky

jtmcdon · Apr 3, 2019

I removed the transmission filler plug and noticed the oil is milky, which should indicate water is mixed with the oil. This is a Ford 861 5-speed transmission and the shifter doesn't require a rubber boot but I can't find any obvious places where water would penetrate the case.

Also, I want to change all oils and I see there are separate drain plugs for the Transmission, the Hydraulic System, and the Rear Axle but I can only find a filler plug for the transmission and rear axle. I can't find a filler plug for the hydraulic system. The operator's manual doesn't tell me how many quarts of oil to add to the transmission but it does say to add SAE 80. However, the shop manual does say to add 8 quarts of M-4864-A to the hydraulic system. Does this mean the the transmission case and hydraulic case is open to one another and the 8 quarts would be poured into the transmission filler plug and be enough oil for both the transmission and the hydraulic system?

The shop manual also says to add SAE 80 to the rear axle but it doesn't say how much. I assume I add oil until I see it run out of the side overflow plug.

I have 5 gallons of Lubriguard Transmission and Hydraulic Oil, which is a universal low viscosity lubricant for farm tractors and construction equipment can this be used in stead of the SAE 80?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks. Tom

M5farms · Apr 3, 2019

the sae 80 Is what I would use. Those old tractors can be finicky on hydraulics if you do not use corrct oil

jtmcdon · Apr 3, 2019

Can you share any info regarding the filler caps and the other questions?

M5farms · Apr 3, 2019

I would start with the 8 qts it list on tractor data and then check the dip stick 2 gallons does not seem like enough to me but IDK on you particular tractor . rearend should be like you describe with the fill oil being the level full . As far as moisture, our humidity in this part of the world is the biggest culprit with condensation build up ,

jtmcdon · Apr 3, 2019

M5farms said:
I would start with the 8 qts it list on tractor data and then check the dip stick 2 gallons does not seem like enough to me but IDK on you particular tractor . rearend should be like you describe with the fill oil being the level full . As far as moisture, our humidity in this part of the world is the biggest culprit with condensation build up ,

Thank you. That is the type information I needed.

Thanks. Tom

nyone · Apr 7, 2019

The trans is the hudraulics i believe and theres a dip stick for that. The dip stick or the shifter is most likely the area water is getting in.

The rear is separate from the rest of the tractor i believe. There should be a fill/check plug on the rearend.

My old ford 851 gets water in the trans too. Never looked into it that much. I believe its to the point i need to do a drain and fill again through. The tractor would stall if i let the clutch out at 5*

RoyKing · Apr 7, 2019

If your tractor sits outside the vent in rear end cap and the shifter. I took the shifter knob off and used a piece of inner tube to make a drip cover and made cover over rear filler.

nyone · Apr 8, 2019

I dont plan on fixing mine. Its going to the scrap yard when im done with it. Rod knock, rear main leak and pops oit of reverse unless you hold it. Not worth fixing when you can buy restored ones for $3k