Heads up to TC26DA Owners!

[MiserableOldFart]

I just make sure the engine is warm before draining the old oil, add the new oil very slowly - would seem the engine being warm should help it flow better - and wait ten minutes or so before starting it up. So far it seems okay. The worst of it would be not knowing.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used Shibaura powered tractor. Their engines seem to be quite strong aside from this very serious matter.. I often wonder if the Japanese made NH tractors might actually hold value better than the new ones. Doesn't make much difference to me, but it's something to consider.

 

[SacandagaBrad]

I just make sure the engine is warm before draining the old oil, add the new oil very slowly - would seem the engine being warm should help it flow better - and wait ten minutes or so before starting it up. So far it seems okay. The worst of it would be not knowing.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used Shibaura powered tractor. Their engines seem to be quite strong aside from this very serious matter.. I often wonder if the Japanese made NH tractors might actually hold value better than the new ones. Doesn't make much difference to me, but it's something to consider.

Interesting timing on this old thread popping up! My TC-24D has been in the shop for 3 weeks, major labor costs piling up with them finally realizing the problem is EXACTLY what I told them it was. Anyway, I'm considering cutting my losses and trading in for a new machine. I was looking under the hood of a Kioti, couldn't figure out where to add engine oil, the valve cover fill port was welded shut. I asked the dealer, he said most, if not all, of the manufacturers are going to alternative fill methods to avoid filling the top of the head with oil to protect against that cylinder lock if the DIYer starts the engine before the oil can drain. First I had heard of it, always do my own, and luckily my routine is to get the motor hot, drain the oil, change the filters, fill the oil, then go on to hit all the grease fittings for however long that takes.

 

[arnoldziffel]

I'm considering buying a TC26 from a private seller. This fellow has had someone else, not a dealer, change the tractor oil. I have no way of knowing if the fellow changing the oil knows anything about this SLOW OIL FILL WARNING.

With that said, does the catastrophic engine damage appear IMMEDIATELY if there is an oil fill related problem? Or could this problem present itself several operating hours later? I don't want to buy the thing, use it for a few hours and then have the engine destroy itself.

Is this an absolute issue? Either the engine is OK after the oil refill or it immediately presents problems? (I'm not mechanically inclined.)

 

[j23]

Hadn't seen for a while and it indeed covers a whole bunch of models. The number of the bulletin is 0606-T3 and it covers TC23DA, TC26DA, TC30, TC35A, TC35DA, TC40DA, TC40A, TC45A, TC45DA, TC48DA, TZ18DA, TZ22DA, TZ25DA, TC29DA, TC33DA, MC22, MC28, MC35, and commercial front mowers.

What is the difference between the TZ18 and the TC18? I don't see the TC18 or TC21 on there? Different style of engine?

 

[guyw]

The TZ18 is a Sub-Compact Utility Tractor. The TC18 is a Compact Utility Tractor. difference in frame size. The TC18 and TC21 are what I think New Holland referred to as the Class 1 Boomers.

 

[oosik]

I read the entire thread on the problems and ultimate fix. I must say, this situation is almost beyond comprehension, if weren't for that thread. MOF - you certainly exhibited a MAJOR degree of self control and you truly do have an excellent rapor with your dealer and their mechanics. I do feel for you in that situation and can understand the stresses you were under. I could only hope I would handle a situation in this manner and not go postal.

It certainly makes one wonder if there are other issues, like this, that manufacturers are not telling dealers or owners.

 

[MiserableOldFart]

Oosik, I have had no problems. I just wanted to give a heads up when I started this thread. I love my TC 26DA, and about the only thing I would want more of is loader size and capacity. Might trade up someday if financial luck be with me, but when I bought this tractor I figured it was to last the rest of my life, and there are no signs that it won't do so..

 

[oosik]

MOF, I understand and hope your info gets wide distribution. I think there are times when most everybody wants more loader capacity. My previous tractor - Ford 1710 - lasted me for 27 year and was still in excellent condition when I traded it for what I now have. I have no doubt it will last another 25 years if it is receiving the necessary maintenance.

 

[arnoldziffel]

So, to be clear, it appears that after an improper oil change the noted engine problems will occur immediately. There is no delay to the problems presenting themselves?

Also, I think potential purchasers of the affected New Holland models should price this most serious problem in to their offers to buy a New Holland. Why pay market price for a tractor that will possibly (likely?) grenade itself.

 

[tmeric7]

Thank you all for posting. I'm a brand new member, just registered. I bought a property last fall that came with a TC29DA and I just did my first oil change on it. There is no unusual information in my owners manual (poor slowly, etc.), but the service bulletin you identified indicates that all models of this tractor are affected. I appreciate that this issue came to my attention just before the change because of this and one other thread on this site. Thanks again!