QuestionI have a 1997 Scotts 42 in rider with a peerless hydrostatic transaxle 205-024 and having been cutting about an acre with it for the last 13 years. The Kohler engine and transmission have run flawlessly and I would like to keep it that way. Recently, I noticed that the mower speed has slowed very slightly and it made me think about the "sealed" transaxle unit. The belt is adjusted correctly. I have never touched the transaxle and decided that to avoid inevitable disaster, I need to change both the drive fluid and the gear oil. I have a number of questions regarding both issues.
1. The drive fluid I understand is really just motor oil and I was thinking of using Mobil 1 5W-30 or 15W-50, Is this correct? I know that the drive oil is sealed behind a vertical plate at the back of the transaxle on the left. There is also a small plug on top of the transaxle on the left top under the cooling fan. What exactly is involved in removing the plate and the bellows underneath. Can I reuse the bellows and the plug. How do you remove the plug without damaging it? Can I just add the oil after I pump it out. Some folks indicate that the transaxle has to be removed for this procedure. I do not want to spend $50 for a bellows kit with 2 qts of some mystery oil if I do not have to.
2. On the gear oil side, how do you remove the plug without damaging it? I also want to reuse the plug. Everything is in excellent condition. I can also pump out the gear oil through the fill hole. I intend to use a synthetic 85W-140. Is this ok?
Anything else you can add. Thanx.
AnswerHello Jeff:
>>Sorry for the Delay. I have been having Issues with my PC for the Past Couple of Days.
>>From your Description it Sounds like the Problem is a Worn Pressure Pump in the Hydro Transaxle.
>>You can Try Changing the Fluid; but as I have Learned, you are Most Likely Wasting your Time and Money.
>>If the Unit is Not Slipping or Making Grinding Noises; I Suggest you Change the Gear Oil and leave the Hydro Section Alone.
>>Use Synthetic 80W90 Gear Lube in the Gear Oil Side. The 80W140 is too Heavy a Viscosity Oil and will Cause Problems later.
>>This is a Sealed Unit and Most Times the High Temperature Thread Locker is Used on the Bolts and Plugs.
>>High Heat is the Only Way to Loosen the Thread Locker and Allow for Easy Removal of the Fill Plug.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
