The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

G'day folks,

Just wondering if there is any gunk I can buy to stop oil leaking from a bad seal. My mechanic split the tractor at the back to renew the two oil seals. He used some blue stuff to create a new seal, but after this I was left with an oil leak of about a litre a week.
I have been using an ice cream container to capture it and pour it back in, but the rainy season has started now and this is not practical. Is there anything I can use as a band-aid to stop or minimise this leak?

Many thanks, Dave.

G'day Dave,
My daughter-in-law had a fairly serious oil leak from the hydraulic pumps operating the soft top on her Saab 900. She was recommended to use the following product to mainly stop, or eliminate the problem completely -- and it did. It's a bit expensive, though, at $88.

http://liquidintelligence.com.au/produc ... l-expander

It crosses my mind, though, that with that much of an oil leak the new seals may well have been damaged/broken during installation. The 'blue gunk' was probably a sealant applied to the seals casings -- not the flexible seal lips.

Pavel

Hi Pavel,

Yes it is the main casing that is leaking.

That stuff reads as though it could be the fix. Only thing is it'll be 2 x$88 as I'll need 2 litres considering the 40 litres of oil.

Will have a think, out of work presently so spending cautiously.

Many thanks, Dave.

I would advise to split here again and use something like multiblau gasket sheet to make a new gasket.
I only use liquid gaskets if there is no other option.

Ronald

Thanks Ronald,

I am unable to do the split by myself. So probably will keep using the ice cream container for a while, just need to keep her out of the rain. The liquid Pavel has suggested is not a liquid gasket but a gasket sealer, so it is added to the oil

Thanks again, Dave.

Where is the oil leaking from? Did he replace the axle shaft seals or the PTO seal. Would be best to know before you add "Gunk".

From what i understand in the link of the produkt it is something used to soften and expand older gaskets.
What you have is a leak with new gasket.
I am thinking that at the place she is leaking there is no gasket.
Maybe it was still a bit greasy and the gasket doesnt stick.

But then again you are ofcourse free to try it.
I personaly dont have a good feeling about smart stuff in oil.
I am thinking wat about al the other seals in the hydraulics etc


Ronald

Thanks Ronald,
You have made a very good point and yes possibly this liquid repair is not ideal. For now I will stick with the ice cream container. Will fix it at some stage.
Thanks very much again, Dave.

Was this done on a 'mates rates' basis Dave or normal rates charged ?? If the latter I would have the mechanic back to rectify the problem he has either induced or failed to cure

If not, and I appreciate your situation. and just to be clear, this leak is from one of the joint faces which he split and would previously had a fibre gasket ?? did he clean all traces of the old gasket off before blue ginking it ??

If so, my suggestion for a cheap way may be to drain the oil out, slacken all the joining bolts a little (after solvent cleaning the joint around the leaky bit) if by selective wriggling or jacking you can get enough of a gap to introduce some new jointing compound (I've generally used Hermatite) with a feeler gauge to spread, then pull the bolts back up - dirty but might save the hassle - and others might like to comment on the advisability & safety before you try.

Otherwise, degrease around the leak (after draining) and smother in silicone rubber sealer, refill when cured and pray to the ancient blue gods

Best of luck with it Dave

We still do not know where the leak is. If it is leaking from the gasket/sealer then fine, Ronalds advice to re-split and either make a new gasket or clean and redo the instant gasket is the way to go.

However, when you do a rear split, there is an "O" ring that goes around the PTO drive housing where it joins the rear axle from the gearbox. This can get nicked or even missed out altogether and gives the impression that oil is leaking from the join. If this is the problem it is far easier to sort than a rear split.

(Please do not ask how I know this).

Thanks Rick and Brian,

The leak is due to the tractor being split. The mechanic did not return my calls and seems to no longer be in business. Annoying as I never received any receipt to show the work done.

I might give your idea of a partial split a go Rick, but down the track. Will keep using the ice cream container for now.

Again , really appreciate your help. All the best, Dave.

Dave,

Now you have confirmed our suspicions and having had some extra time to think, I remembered an alternative with a similar leak in my S1 Landy transfer box, initially as a get you home bodge but it actually lasted for many years. Drain the oil, split by a turn of the bolts or so then fit some of the soft graphited yarn used on pre O ring tap glands into the gap - but not as far as the bolts* (like caulking an old wooden boat between the planks although you don't need to drive it in with a mallett) then take up the bolts again and just go round them again after having run up to normal temperature

*If you push it in up to the bolt holes it may get into the clearance of the hole rather than remain between faces to be squashed - its an old get you home method for sealing a steam cylinder head if you've blown out the gasket but in that case you have to figure of eight it around the stids / bolts so it doesn't blow out as well

Sounds like your chap knew he'd done a rotten job unfortunately those of us who judge others based on our standards instead of theirs sometimes get taken for a ride - attempting to take for a second ride is a dangerous thing hereabouts.........

Meanwhile, scream if you need more ice cream tubs !

Hi Rick,

This sounds like an efficient way to cure it. Will give it a go, but not for a while, as I have heaps of other jobs to do. I was able to get her under cover again, so while there with an ice-cream container, all is fine.

Hey used to drive a S1 Landy when I was a kid, on my parents 620 acres. What a great unit.

Many thanks for your help..All the best, Dave.