S130 Chaincase Help

[catnip2377]

I have a 2004 S130 with about 500 hours. I last used it back in Feb to do some snow clearing. After the snow clearing I noticed that oil was starting to come out of the Chain Case level plug at the front. I finally had a chance yesterday to open up the chain case cover (inside the cab) and it was full right to the top. Searching this forum I thought perhaps drive motor seals need to be changed. When I started draining the oil it turns out about 5/8-3/4 of what I drained out was water. Since the machine was sitting the oil/water had separated so it was easy to see exactly what was in there. Unfortunately when I purchased the machine in 2009 I did not open up the chaincase to have a look inside so have no idea of knowing if the water was already in existence. How does the water get into the chaincase? Was it water getting into the chaincase that caused it to fill to the brim? ( I have had an enclosed cab since 2009). Perhaps there already water in there and then the hydraulic leak started causing the level to rise? What would be the best plan of action? Is there a way to test the chaincase for a hyro leak? What areas would allow water to enter the chain case? Sorry for the long read and thank you for your help.

 

[jerry]

If you have a hydraulic leak the level in the hyd reservoir would go down. If you never had to add oil you do not have a leak.

 

[Tazza]

If you have a hydraulic leak the level in the hyd reservoir would go down. If you never had to add oil you do not have a leak.

Water can get in from the inspection covers. If they were never sealed just right, water can leak past and and get into the chaincase. I suspect its more likely to fill like that if it was left outside and rain got in.
Even though you have an elclosed cab, water can get in around that. It just has to get on the chassis and dribble down onto the chain case.
When you are happy its all clean, i'd remove the inspection covers and silicone them down, don't forget to do the bolt threads too.

 

[catnip2377]

Water can get in from the inspection covers. If they were never sealed just right, water can leak past and and get into the chaincase. I suspect its more likely to fill like that if it was left outside and rain got in.
Even though you have an elclosed cab, water can get in around that. It just has to get on the chassis and dribble down onto the chain case.
When you are happy its all clean, i'd remove the inspection covers and silicone them down, don't forget to do the bolt threads too.

My hydro fluid has gone down so I'm guessing it's a seal? I will check the case drain filter also. Silly question.... What type of bolt is holding the drive motors in? The look almost round?

 

[Bobcatdan]

My hydro fluid has gone down so I'm guessing it's a seal? I will check the case drain filter also. Silly question.... What type of bolt is holding the drive motors in? The look almost round?

The chaincase covers with the foam gasket loosen up all the time. Go around and check all the bolts, you will most likly get a turn or two out of them. As for hydraulic fluid getting in there, normally I just do both sides. Mid frames are not too bad. The motors hare held on by allen bolts. Pull the motor off, replace the seal and install motor. If it wasn't for checking for bearing play, you could techicnally change the seal with out ever going into the chain case. I would check the unit over for leaks eles where before I would go straight to the motor carrier seals. Bobcats have only two tiny holes that plug up pretty easy and the thing can leak a ling time before it ever drips.

 

[catnip2377]

The chaincase covers with the foam gasket loosen up all the time. Go around and check all the bolts, you will most likly get a turn or two out of them. As for hydraulic fluid getting in there, normally I just do both sides. Mid frames are not too bad. The motors hare held on by allen bolts. Pull the motor off, replace the seal and install motor. If it wasn't for checking for bearing play, you could techicnally change the seal with out ever going into the chain case. I would check the unit over for leaks eles where before I would go straight to the motor carrier seals. Bobcats have only two tiny holes that plug up pretty easy and the thing can leak a ling time before it ever drips.

Thank you for the info. How many covers are on the chaincase? Where can I find them all?

 

[Bobcatdan]

Thank you for the info. How many covers are on the chaincase? Where can I find them all?

Three covers on top of the chaincase. The front one is between your feet.

 

[skidsteer.ca]

Three covers on top of the chaincase. The front one is between your feet.

Very common for the front top cover to be loose on a 753 or s130 as the boom stop bashes the front of the chaincase there every time you lower the boom to fast. Mine even had a crack in the chain case there that had to be welded before the covers could be re sealed.
Hopefully your not rusted up to badly inside. I'd remove the cover, drain the chaincase and have a good look.
Ken

 

[biggie]

The chain case is a closed system. If U have water getting there, it could be it was there when U bought it. Change the oil. There should be a breather on the center cover, think it's yellow. Once you've changed the oil. Watch the level. If it gains, you might have a carrier seal problem.