1693TA
Senior Member
What started this ordeal was the long term storage of the tractor. The torque converter charge pressure regulator is a sliding spool controlled by springs, and shims. When the engine is not spinning the transmission charge pump, this spool should be closed by spring pressure as the valve assembly also acts as an anti siphon valve for the transmission oil. The same charge pump also charges the torque converter via the pressure regulator. What was happening is the torque converter pressure regulator valve was not closing with engine shutdown allowing the lower positioned torque converter charge port to fill the torque converter housing full until it overflowed onto the ground until an equal oil level in the transmission with the torque converter charge port was attained which stopped the siphon action. Upon engine start, the spinning torque converter was ejecting the surplus out out of the starter nose area before the venturi pump could scavenge the accumulated oil in the torque converter housing. Once this venturi pump had evacuated the housing there was no more oil spew, but the transmission oil was four gallons low from the ordeal. I removed the seat, seat support bracket and rear floorboard and had to dig out over four inches of dirt to even see the valve body which is a three section valve. The center section was cleaned extensively, and the rear cover, (spring side) was removed. The spool was found to be frozen in it's bore. I used a hardwood dowel and "tapped" the spool which promptly broke free and slid in it's bore to the closed position. I was able to pull the spool with a slight "drag" bind at a definitive position in the bore close to where the spool was frozen in place. I then removed the spool, and cleaned everything up, (bore, spool, springs, shims) with fresh mineral spirits and the spool then slid in the bore effortlessly. After placing the springs and shims back as originally removed, cutting a new rear gasket, and buttoning it all back up, the problem no longer exists of the transmission being drained.
The other problem I think, (it may be in my head only) is that the right steering clutch was slow to reengage after a turn. Sort of like it was slipping as had a bit of a delay as opposed to the left steering clutch upon reengagement. Both clutches disengage with virtually the same amount of pull on the steering clutch release handles. The steering clutches are hydraulic release and spring apply. With the transmission in gear, and both steering clutch handles pulled back in the release position, with the blade raised, if the engine is accelerated, the tractor will pull away indicating a dragging clutch. A low engine rpm and the tractor won't move at all. A slight application of either brake will immediately stop the tractor from moving as will dropping the engine rpm. This may be perfectly normal operation as has been mentioned a possibility, but the oil is at least 10/06 in age and probably older than that. It has been a Tractor Supply "universal" tractor fluid used. I've heard good and bad to this oil and am neutral myself.
The transmission upshifts, and downshifts smartly. Also drops into, and out of gear seemingly immediately when commanded. I think a good service is all that is needed but I'm not wanting to drag this out so electing to use a cleaner or additive to accelerate the process from a known and trusted vendor. I'm comfortable but again I want to expedite the process and this product seems to offer the solution I'm looking for without a lot of "bluster", or upheaval. I don't think it's a "snake oil" solution at all.
Thanks,
The other problem I think, (it may be in my head only) is that the right steering clutch was slow to reengage after a turn. Sort of like it was slipping as had a bit of a delay as opposed to the left steering clutch upon reengagement. Both clutches disengage with virtually the same amount of pull on the steering clutch release handles. The steering clutches are hydraulic release and spring apply. With the transmission in gear, and both steering clutch handles pulled back in the release position, with the blade raised, if the engine is accelerated, the tractor will pull away indicating a dragging clutch. A low engine rpm and the tractor won't move at all. A slight application of either brake will immediately stop the tractor from moving as will dropping the engine rpm. This may be perfectly normal operation as has been mentioned a possibility, but the oil is at least 10/06 in age and probably older than that. It has been a Tractor Supply "universal" tractor fluid used. I've heard good and bad to this oil and am neutral myself.
The transmission upshifts, and downshifts smartly. Also drops into, and out of gear seemingly immediately when commanded. I think a good service is all that is needed but I'm not wanting to drag this out so electing to use a cleaner or additive to accelerate the process from a known and trusted vendor. I'm comfortable but again I want to expedite the process and this product seems to offer the solution I'm looking for without a lot of "bluster", or upheaval. I don't think it's a "snake oil" solution at all.
Thanks,