IH 385 submarine.

[Willie B]

I always liked the IH utility tractors, a nice one came up for sale ten miles away. I bought a 1100 hour 385 with 2200 IH loader, and 5' hog. The cutting edge on the loader bucket has paint. The seat is still perfect! Somewhere in the mid eighties, It is still a nice tractor. 35 hp is a nice size for lawn and garden, and mowing the meadows. I looked it over, checked the fluids, they were almost too clean. On the way home with trailer my son texted an IH collector we know. He said it had been in the pond two months ago. We got home, and started to check. One oil reservoir for transmission, differential, hydraulics, and steering was still clean on the dip stick. Pulling the drain plug, out came runny whipped cream. Best I can figure the tube with dipstick is long. What's in the tube doesn't mix with the rest of the oil. I was able to renegotiate the purchase price from $5000 to $3000.
We have dismantled the hydraulic cylinders on loader and steering draining out the water/oil mixture, drained the two drains removing twenty odd gallons of oil and water mix. One hydraulic cylinder rod is bent, I think because it froze enough to block the movement. Forcing it with the other side cylinder bent the light duty rod.
What's next?
Someone suggested filling it with diesel, others have said numerous drain and fill with oil. I'm not sure I dare to use diesel.

 

[LiveRoll]

I don't think I would flush with diesel, as it may have a detrimental effect on any internal seals within the tractor. Best of luck. you came to the right place here, I'm sure you will get all the right answers you need!!

Cheers

Roger

 

[Willie B]

I hope so. I've been in this place once before. Twenty seven years ago My friend drove a month old 4x4 pickup into a pond. Don't ask, I have no good answers. We drained and refilled repeatedly, He drove it another 14 years without a problem. He still complains of hemorrhoids he claims to have gotten sitting on a frozen seat all that winter.