Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere GX345, crankcase oil, kawasaki engines

Question
I have a JD GX345 Riding mower with a 48" deck and a 20hp motor.  I was doing my end of season service and when I drained the crank case oil, I saw it was reddish in color.  I immediately looked at the transmission fluid level and it is way down.  This machine has power steering as well as the hydrostatic transmission.  Where should I start looking for the leak and is this a common issue with these Kawasaki engines?

Answer
Hello Lou:

My Engine Oil has the Red Tint to it Also. Are you Sure the Red Tint was Due to Hydraulic Oil Contamination. There is No Way that I can See the Hydraulic Oil Contaminating the Crankcase Oil of this Engine. Was the Crankcase Overfilled when you Drained it? You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers (GX345) and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. Thanks. 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. Ratings and Comments are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John