TC 40D "Into the unknown"

[ENTS]

Because of the PITA location of the hydro. fill port, I have over the years tried to devise different ways to fill it. So today I got a small funel and attached a short piece of plastic tubing to the funnel, and stuck it in the fill port. While adjusting the funnel, the plastic tubing fell off into the "unknown". Stuck my fingers in there to no avail, it's down there deep. So I tried to take off the plate holding the top link, figuring I'd have access into the "unknown". Can't budge even one of those nuts/bolts. So now I'm stuck.

I'm unsure of what's in the "unknown" down there but I'm willing to bet I can't leave that tube down there. Any suggestions on how to get the bugger out?

Later,

 

[Jerry/MT]

Because of the PITA location of the hydro. fill port, I have over the years tried to devise different ways to fill it. So today I got a small funel and attached a short piece of plastic tubing to the funnel, and stuck it in the fill port. While adjusting the funnel, the plastic tubing fell off into the "unknown". Stuck my fingers in there to no avail, it's down there deep. So I tried to take off the plate holding the top link, figuring I'd have access into the "unknown". Can't budge even one of those nuts/bolts. So now I'm stuck.

I'm unsure of what's in the "unknown" down there but I'm willing to bet I can't leave that tube down there. Any suggestions on how to get the bugger out?

Later,

I about the only thing I can think of is trying to grasp the tubing with one of those log skinny retreivers that has the claw like end.They look like a piece of choke cable.
I bought a small hand pump from HF years ago(~$15) that I use to fill my hydraulic reservior with. It pumps right out of the 5 gallon pail and has a "J" shaped nozzle that goes into the fill port. It's something to think about AFTER you get the tubing out of your hydraulic reservior.

 

[ENTS]

I know the gizmo you're talking about, just don't know the name of it. It's worth a try but I'm at a loss as to what's it called so I can look it up. Even if I get the "gizmo" I have as good a chance at snagging that tubing as winning the lottery.

Later,

After a short search -- mechanics parts retriever. O'Reilly's has them.

 

[JFS2295]

HD sells them at display locations. Even has an LED on the end.

 

[ENTS]

I can see where the light would come in handy. But where I'm going I'm not gonna be able to eye ball it. It's gonna have to be braille method and hope.


Later,

 

[lhfarm]

I wonder if a parts diagram of the area would help you get a picture of the unknown? You might look here New Holland TC40D Parts In any case, I hope you will share your solution. Good luck!

 

[SandburRanch]

I about the only thing I can think of is trying to grasp the tubing with one of those log skinny retreivers that has the claw like end.They look like a piece of choke cable.
I bought a small hand pump from HF years ago(~$15) that I use to fill my hydraulic reservior with. It pumps right out of the 5 gallon pail and has a "J" shaped nozzle that goes into the fill port. It's something to think about AFTER you get the tubing out of your hydraulic reservior.

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google Mechanical Fingers.

 

[SandburRanch]

While adjusting the funnel, the plastic tubing fell off into the "unknown".

Later,

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A string with a clove hitch knot tied around that tubing would have saved you this aggravation. Sure hind site is usually 20-20 but this information is for next time for anything of similar consequences.

 

[jinman]

Sorry about your mishap, Fred. The best photo I can find that shows the rear of the transmission is the PTO driveline cross-section. The hydraulics sit right above the rear PTO countershaft and final drive. I suspect your funnel tip dropped all the way down out of the hydraulic jackshaft area and is in the PTO section of the final drive. Frankly, without one of those fiber cameras, I doubt you will ever find the tubing. I also think that since the tubing is not metal, you probably dodged a bullet. When it gets down to the fluid level, it may just float rather than sink to the bottom. I believe there is a support wall in the rear of the case that will keep the tube from leaving the PTO area and moving forward in the transmission case. Also, I know you don't want to think about this, but I'd bet the plastic tube would just get chewed up rather than cause any problem if it got into a gear. Here's the illustration of the area below the filler port.

 

[ENTS]

IHFARM -- Thanks, but the first thing I did was look at the IPL. Unfortunately, it doesn't tell me if I can access the rear of that housing from the mid pto position. Since I don't have a mid pto I figured I could drop the cover plate and fish the tube out from there.

Later and thanks,