BX 2660 possible cracked case at PTO bearing housing

[marktm]

Hearing protection!! Did not hear the clanking of the PTO U-joint hitting the surrounding metal - including an upside down installation of a bolt for Pat's swing arm system (replaced with yellow bolt correctly)

A small leak is evident around the bottom third of the PTO bearing housing. Can this be fixed externally?
See pics

 

[Dustyx2]

Looks to me like your leak originates about 2 or 3 o-clock and runs down to the bottom. You need to clean it up good and see for sure where the leak is. It's going to be a challenge to get it clean enough for an external repair but certainly worth a try.

 

[marktm]

I agree. Original thought was the seal, but after several "cleanings" there was no evidence of any fluid in the seal chamber - then noticed the "sheen" was around the housing. Considering the damage from the U-joint, it's likely the bearing itself cracked it's own housing.

The best I can do is lower the fluid level well below the seal/housing, solvent clean the entire area several times, letting any fluid reappear that remains then lightly sand the outer housing crevice area only, then use either liquid nails or epoxy to form a bead from 12:00 the 12:45. Let it set and spray paint the repair area to match. Note that the PTO shaft is not "loose" at all - feels rock solid.

The real issue is how did the U-joint ever hit these areas?? Got to figure that out. I've been using the shredder for 10 years. Something recent has changed.

 

[Dustyx2]

I would use JB Weld, and you want to roughen up the surface so it has a surface it can grab. I see no crack but there is a suspect pin hole in the casting that might be the source. Check your u-joint at the coupler and the coupler itself.

 

[marktm]

Upon further checking, it appears that lifting the triple hitch too high has caused the clashing of the PTO support area. I will need to be careful to stop the shredder when crossing unlevel areas and/or just lifting the shredder while running. Will probably try the JB Weld approach soon. the leak has become fairly minor after disconnecting the shredder.

 

[Fedup]

You might also consider just replacing the cover. Doesn't look like all that big a project. Probably no more than all the "patch" attempts you're planning.

Part Details | Coleman Equipment

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Yeesh, that cover's a $200 part here in Canada so I'd probably go the 'JB Weld ' route. Need to drain oil out then clean really really good, gently heat the area up, clean again, heat/clean several times, thenuse a 'ball' grinder to roughen up the whole area,heat/clean again,Let sit for several hours just to confirm NO oil. When NO oil, then properly mix a generous amount of 'aluminum compatible' JB Weld, slather on, leave for at least 24 hours for it to cure. Refill the oil and see what happens.
Worst case is you've lost a day or two AND now have to spend $$$ for a new cover and maybe a gasket.

Of course now that I've read my post, maybe just buy the part. Two days without the tractor could cost you more than the part !

 

[marktm]

I'd certainly buy a new bearing and seal (and gasket). Just changed the fluid - probably try to reclaim most - lots of it! Being retired and not using the tractor daily, going the JB weld route might be my first try.
Now, the root cause - After becoming a Google expert, I'm convinced that I've raised the shredder too high with it's running. Plus when I cross the creek while mowing, it forces the shredder to be as high as it possibly can go. Got to stop the shredder when doing these things. I'll check when I re-install this fall.

 

[Dustyx2]

I'd certainly buy a new bearing and seal (and gasket). Just changed the fluid - probably try to reclaim most - lots of it! Being retired and not using the tractor daily, going the JB weld route might be my first try.
Now, the root cause - After becoming a Google expert, I'm convinced that I've raised the shredder too high with it's running. Plus when I cross the creek while mowing, it forces the shredder to be as high as it possibly can go. Got to stop the shredder when doing these things. I'll check when I re-install this fall.

Can you feel any up and down play in the PTO shaft? If you can you might want to investigate further. You say you disconnected the shaft and now it has about stopped leaking makes me wonder if the shaft is loose. I can feel no play in my BX22. You also should check and make sure the mowers PTO shaft isn't bottoming out when raised to the highest position and pushing in on the tractor's PTO shaft.

 

[marktm]

The PTO seems rock solid - turns easy with no noticeable deflection. No seal oil inside the bearing/seal chamber - all outside as shown in the pics. Possibly leaked the most during the stress of the U joint banging on the hitch pieces.