580K Shuttle Shift Questions

Hey Guys,

I have, most likely, a dumb question, well several. Today I was running my 1989 580K moving some brush around. I started to smell oil burning. I checked under the hood and there was oil blown all over the radiator and front of the hood. After some inspection I found the line connecting to the oil radiator(cooler) had blown off. I was going to try and limp back to the barn, but when I went to shift the shuttle shifter it felt loose, and the machine would not move in forward or reverse. If I lifted the rear end off the ground with the stabilizers I could get the tires to spin in reverse. My first dumb question is- is the blown line the reason I couldn't move? Is that system pressurized so when I get it back together I'll be good?

Second, when I tried to thread the end back on the bottom of the radiator it was stripped out. It'll go a turn or so and pop off. Is there an easier fix than taking that radiator to a radiator guy to solder a new one on?

Third, I checked the neutral safety switch along the way and the wire at the connector was toast. I stripped it back and it had two green wires in the sheath. The other side has a black and a white wire. Does it matter which goes to which?

Last, what oil goes back in the shuttle, and does it go in where the dipstick is under the front of the seat when facing the loader?

I know these are probably dumb questions, but I am not super informed on shuttle shifters so I figured I'd turn to the experts here. Thanks in advance for the help!!

Hi @Ed1

1. Without oil in it, the shuttle won't drive
2. If the thread is stripped, the oil cooler needs to be removed to weld a new fitting to it - if that is possible - it will be a tricky repair - plus you may need to replace the steel line as well.
3. It shouldn't matter which way it is joined, as the switch will simply connect both wires.
4. So you've had this machine how long? & you still haven't checked the shuttle oil with the dipstick beside the engine starter motor?? Fill it with 10w transmission oil through the dipstick tube & check the level with the engine idling.....

You're the man, as usual!!! I was actually hoping you'd see this post lol.

That's great news actually!! I was really worried the transmission was shot. And I have been checking it, I just thought it was the rear end. So that must be the rear end under the seat?

Do you know what the capacity on the shuttle oil is so I know how much to take out with me?

8 litres will fill it - including the converter.
Yes, the dipstick at your feet is for the transaxle & that uses a different oil.

10-4, thanks!!

alrman said:

8 litres will fill it - including the converter.
Yes, the dipstick at your feet is for the transaxle & that uses a different oil.

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So what oil does the rear end need?

Joe Friday said:

So what oil does the rear end need?

Click to expand...

Transaxle fluid goes in the transaxle which has an additive for brake disc. Or gear oil with a limited slip additive.

From the 580K series 3 service manual.