QuestionI found your answer below and have the same question only with the model listed in the subject in a 20 hp Kohler driven Quality Pro tractor. I looked at the diamgram and did not notice a fill plug. Did I miss it or do I just and fluid into the vent tube? Is it possible / advisable to drain the fluid and replace?
Thanks so much for your help. I was just about to dump this tractor as it will no longer pull me up the moderate incline of our yard once is gets warm.
Jim
Date: 8/24/2007
Subject: Hydro Gear transmission slipping
Question
Mower: Craftsman 917.271061 15.5HP Kohler w/ 42" deck.
Transmission: HydroGear 314-0510 (other numbers: 186768, 0026H6091)
It starts out running fine, but then after switching from forward to reverse a few times, or going up small inclines, the transmission starts to whine, then when pushed a little more, starts to growl, without going anywhere. It has a newer belt. There is a film of oil around the housing. I don't see how to check/drain/fill the oil. I'm hoping it is still repairable, as a replacement is about $425.00. I'm fairly mechanical, but I have no experience with these. I'm comfortable taking it apart a little with good advice. Thanks for your sacrifice in helping us!
Answer
Hello Gary:
You Sound like a Person Who Loves Working with your Hands. How About I Give you a Web Site that has a Breakdown of the Hydro. I Just Looked at your Hydro Breakdown. There Should be a Female Pipe Plug in the Top Side of the Hydro for Adding Fluids. This Hydro Uses 20W50 Engine Oil. 78.8oz Maximum. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the H. Then Select Hydro-Gear. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. The Plug is # 109. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
AnswerHello Jim:
This Hydro Unit has No Drain or Fill Plugs. It is Supposed to be a Consumer Non Serviceable Model Transaxle. The Hydro Gear Model 319-0650 is Also Listed as a Model # 150071. This Unit Holds 81.0oz of 20W50 Engine Oil. Some of these Hydro Transaxles have a One Way Vent. There is a Check Valve (Most Check Valves are Designed to be Removed with a Wrench) that Prevents Water from Entering and Allows Air in and Out. You can Fill the Transaxle with Oil if the Vent is Open to the Case. If this is a "Closed" Unit (Vent has the Non Removeable Check Valve), then it is Not Consumer Serviceable and Requires a Trip to your Local Small Engine Service Center. If you can Add Oil, then Add 1 Pint at a Time. If you Add 3 Pints and the Unit Still Operated as you Described, then the Unit Requires Servicing at your Local Small Engine Service Center. If you Over Fill the Hydro, you WILL Blow a Seal and then there is No Option but a Trip to the Service Center. You can View the Breakdown at this Site Addy; http://www.ordertree.com/cms/parts-lookup-help/73.html and Select the Manufacturer (Hydro-Gear). Then Select your Model Hydro. Then Select View Parts Manual PDF. Please, Do Not Hesitate, 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. 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
