First time skid owner L778 (Massive ATF leaks)

So this thing has more issues than news weekly. Already replaced a bunch of cables, starter, flywheel but I'm not familiar with hydraulic systems. My skidsteer leaks about 5 gallons ATF within a few hours. So it's kinda becoming expensive and messy to run. Both couplings have class 3 leaks right where it connects to the bucket holder...thing (expect lots of technical terms like this). It leaves trails of fluid at times and if I leave the bucket up overnight it will fall by morning. Thankfully I also took pictures. I think this is the kit I need to fit it but I'm not positive. My mechanical skills don't transfer over to most of this stuff so I'm learning as I go. http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Holland-L778-Skid-Steer-Tilt-Bucket-Cylinder-Seal-Kit-/161237947473?pt=BI_Heavy_Equipment_Parts&hash=item258a87d451 http://oi59.tinypic.com/2efusud.jpg you can see the leak puddling up in this pic http://oi62.tinypic.com/iqc1te.jpg The next leak comes from the right side (transmission?) again pics. I took the cover off to find the leak and below is what I found. Not sure if that looks right, especially the pepto color. I did drain my radiator last night as well but I did see pepto looking juices around before emptying the radiator. I'm not sure if this housing is supposed to be filled with atf like this full time and the leak is coming from a bad seal around the cover itself or what? http://oi60.tinypic.com/24fy9vb.jpg I obviously don't have a manual yet, got one on order.

Where is the main oil leak coming from?
You mention the bucket tilts on it's own over night, that is not uncommon. If there is an external leak from the ram, the seals do need doing. You can generally take the old seals to a shop and they can match them for you.
The cover, can you seal it and the bolt threads with silicone? or is the leak elsewhere?

Tazza said:

Where is the main oil leak coming from?
You mention the bucket tilts on it's own over night, that is not uncommon. If there is an external leak from the ram, the seals do need doing. You can generally take the old seals to a shop and they can match them for you.
The cover, can you seal it and the bolt threads with silicone? or is the leak elsewhere?

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Coming from that well where the (transmission?) is at. Is that supposed to be filled with tranny fluid like that? I could easily built a new seal on it if thats the case. The next big leak is where the hydraulic line meets the coupling on the bucket. I also noticed I'm missing quite a few bearings and seals here and there. I'll have to get some pics of them later. They don't seem to cause any issues (yet) but I'm sure they're supposed to be there for a reason.

shaney said:

Coming from that well where the (transmission?) is at. Is that supposed to be filled with tranny fluid like that? I could easily built a new seal on it if thats the case. The next big leak is where the hydraulic line meets the coupling on the bucket. I also noticed I'm missing quite a few bearings and seals here and there. I'll have to get some pics of them later. They don't seem to cause any issues (yet) but I'm sure they're supposed to be there for a reason.

Click to expand...

I believe that chain case should have oil in it. You need something to lubricate the chains and bearings.
Hopefully Mike10 will reply to confirm this. He is the local NH expert.

The chain case should have 80W90 oil in it. If the oil level was considerably above the check plug on the side plate than you probably have a hydro motor oil seal leaking into the chain case. If it was not over full then someone probably just put ATF in the case. It is almost impossible to keep these units from leaking oil to the outside, mainly through the axle seals.