HYDRAULIC DRAIN PLUG LEAK - '04 BX23

[MurphDaSurf1956]

I bought an '04 BX23, who meticulously maintains his equipment. No problems. Then after a few months, I noticed hydraulic fluid leaking (very, very slowly) from the transmission oil pan drain plug. I drained the system, bought a new washer/O-ring and refilled the system with genuine Kubota oil. The old washer/O-ring was flattened (the black plastic part forming the center of the washer/O-ring). I snugged up the new one pretty good. Everything was fine for a few days and I have noticed it leaking (very, very slowly) again. There is a drip in the center of the drain plug like it is leaking out slowly and when it forms enough fluid to form a drop, it falls onto a cardboard box I placed under it. I'm worried about torquing down on it too far and stripping it but I don't see any torque specs. Anyone had any similar issues or offer an explanation/advice? Anything would help!

 

[Roadworthy]

Probably bad timing, you having just put in new fluid, but the O ring mating surface must be smooth. Are you sure you have the correct plug? You shouldn't have to torque it REAL tight but finger tight won't cut it either.

 

[MurphDaSurf1956]

Yeah, it was clean. The washer/O-ring was brand new (the old one was shot). Original plug (was the original washer/O-ring, lasted 16 years!). I don't get it. Unless there's something else but I don't know what it would be. I'm baffled!

 

[pochie]

Yeah, it was clean. The washer/O-ring was brand new (the old one was shot). Original plug (was the original washer/O-ring, lasted 16 years!). I don't get it. Unless there's something else but I don't know what it would be. I'm baffled!

Hello. I have a 2004 Kubota BX23 that I purchased new in 2004. It now has 620 hours on. The last few months I noticed drips on the cardboard underneath from the hyd. oil drain plug. I am going to purchase a new plug and washer. Since I put new fluid in 100 hours ago I am not going to drain the oil and replace. I did this 'home procedure' a few years ago when I changed the oil/filter and forgot to check if the washer was on the plug...it was in the drain pan....I carefully opened the drain plug and put my finger over the hole and then replaced the plug with the washer on......only losing an ounce or so of oil so that is what I am going to do with the hyd. fluid plug. I only changed the hyd. fluid 3 times in 16 years so I would assume the plug is still OK but why take a chance for a few bucks and a messy procedure. If I were you I would replace the plug and washer new. I am a perfectionist for the environment and as my friend calls me '****' at times one drop of oil is one too many. All the people I talk to say.."just let 'er drip"...but that is not me. Good luck!

 

[JJT]

All drain plugs get a new crush washer and a quick smear of blue permatex. I picked this tip up from an old mechanic 40 years ago. Never had a problem.

 

[RickB]

All drain plugs get a new crush washer and a quick smear of blue permatex. I picked this tip up from an old mechanic 40 years ago. Never had a problem.

RTV in most instances is a rookie's crutch. Or one used by a sloppy mechanic. A new washer and clean habits will be drip free.

 

[FrankJG]

All drain plugs get a new crush washer and a quick smear of blue permatex. I picked this tip up from an old mechanic 40 years ago. Never had a problem.

I always put teflon tape on my drain plugs, works great, can fix a small hydraulic line fittings leak too.

 

[fawnzydingo]

I bought an '04 BX23, who meticulously maintains his equipment. No problems. Then after a few months, I noticed hydraulic fluid leaking (very, very slowly) from the transmission oil pan drain plug. I drained the system, bought a new washer/O-ring and refilled the system with genuine Kubota oil. The old washer/O-ring was flattened (the black plastic part forming the center of the washer/O-ring). I snugged up the new one pretty good. Everything was fine for a few days and I have noticed it leaking (very, very slowly) again. There is a drip in the center of the drain plug like it is leaking out slowly and when it forms enough fluid to form a drop, it falls onto a cardboard box I placed under it. I'm worried about torquing down on it too far and stripping it but I don't see any torque specs. Anyone had any similar issues or offer an explanation/advice? Anything would help!

Any updates? What did you do to fix this? We also have a 2004bx23

I bought an '04 BX23, who meticulously maintains his equipment. No problems. Then after a few months, I noticed hydraulic fluid leaking (very, very slowly) from the transmission oil pan drain plug. I drained the system, bought a new washer/O-ring and refilled the system with genuine Kubota oil. The old washer/O-ring was flattened (the black plastic part forming the center of the washer/O-ring). I snugged up the new one pretty good. Everything was fine for a few days and I have noticed it leaking (very, very slowly) again. There is a drip in the center of the drain plug like it is leaking out slowly and when it forms enough fluid to form a drop, it falls onto a cardboard box I placed under it. I'm worried about torquing down on it too far and stripping it but I don't see any torque specs. Anyone had any similar issues or offer an explanation/advice? Anything would help!

We also have a 2004 bx23, but with 2431 hours. Did you find a solution as we have same issue?

 

[Williy]

Will the oil damage the teflon tape??
some oils don't agree with the teflon
tape. Using the blue permatex is just
a little extra safety factor. Everything
helps

willy

 

[rScotty]

Is that right? Three BX23s with the same problem and all from the same year?
Is this a true O ring that fits in a machined groove?
Our Kubota just uses a copper washer.
rScotty