Hydo leak in 225

MESSMAKER · Feb 13, 2017

As many of you know I am in the middle of an engine rebuild and have the tractor in half. I thought I would see if I could dry up a hydo leak I have had for 2-3 years.It only showed up when the motor was warm and was barely visible after it cooled off. It seems to be close the to output shat that is about a foot forward of where the tractor splits. I am guessing it is a seal or O-ring but not really sure. Anyone have any ideas on how to proceed.

winston1 · Feb 13, 2017

I need more clarification. I am thinking tractor splits between engine and clutch housing. I don't understand a hydro leak at that point, especially a foot forward. I know I am not understanding something correctly. Maybe you have it split at the rear of the clutch housing?

MESSMAKER · Feb 13, 2017

I guess to be correct it would be behind the split. sorry for the confusion. It was in the center of the bottom about even with the floorboard.

winston1 · Feb 14, 2017

The hydrastat housing bolts on to the rear of the clutch housing. That housing should be dry. In the bottom of the hydrastat housing is an open drain hole around 1-1/2 to 2" od. I have a small leak at that point. My research on the drawings leads me to believe that leak could be a loose line fitting, oil seal on 4 wheel drive shaft, seal on hydro unit, etc. Just seems to be many places that could leak up in that hydro pump case. Yours may not even be coming from there.

MESSMAKER · Feb 14, 2017

I had thought about the seal on the 4 wheel drive shaft. It is in the right area.
Any idea how much labor is involved with removing the shaft and replacing the seal?

winston1 · Feb 14, 2017

I have not replaced the seals on my driveshaft but did remove it to replace my engine pan. Wasn't that difficult. Just remove a couple of bolts on the cover, collapse them together, remove a roll pin at the rear spline coupling, slide the couipling forward and out she comes. Might want to consider new o-rings for the cover.

Looking at the parts list indicates two front wheel drive shafts. The one inside the cover being one and the other comes out of the transmission and through the hydrastat housing. The seal is actually on the back side of the hydrastat housing and could not be changed without pulling the housing. Would attach pictures if I could. You can go the this sight and look at it. Bobcat Genuine Parts Catalog – Official Bobcat Company site

MESSMAKER · Mar 16, 2017

Got estimate from Bobcat. Have to split the back part of the tractor to repair leak . Looks like about 2 grand. Anybody interested in a kidney?

winston1 · Mar 16, 2017

MESSMAKER said:
Got estimate from Bobcat. Have to split the back part of the tractor to repair leak . Looks like about 2 grand. Anybody interested in a kidney?

I think I would set a pan under it to keep the floor dry.

Jabonee · Mar 16, 2017

Since you have the tractor split you may want to take a look at the HST pump. There have been cases were the gasket between pump case halves is getting distorted and leaking. I'm assuming you see the leak coming from the inspection hole in the bottom of the HST case? Only a couple more steps to remove the HST case and inspect.:thumbsup:

MESSMAKER · Mar 17, 2017

Motor is back running fine but could not locate the leak until the tractor was running. looks like it will have to be broken further back near the hydro to get to the problem.I took it to my local Bobcat dealer who is good, but by no means cheap. Looks like $300 in parts and 12-14 hours labor. I am running out of time before I need it so I am going to bite the bullet.