L3650GST Bubble Gauge

[bobkubota]

The bubble gauge on my L3650GST used to check the hydraulic fluid is no longer clear. This is not a problem with the fluid becoming milky but rather the gauge lens is just no longer clear enough to see the fluid level.

Is this problem common?

Is it hard to repair?

My L3650GTS was purchased used 4 years ago and has been an excellent machine. Tractor was made in 1993.

Thank you. bob

 

[lreops]

Assuming that most sight glass/gauge are basically the same, they just pop out and pop in. Just have one when you do your next fluid change. Simple fix.

Ron

 

[bobkubota]

Thank you for the reply. I'll call the Kubota dealer and get one ordered.

This should be something I can do.

bob

 

[GWD]

Make sure that the fluid level is not so high that the bright white background is "yellowish" from the fluid.

Park the tractor on a slope with the sight glass on the uphill side. If the background is now bright white then the problem is a simple overfill issue.

My L3650-DT kept a clear sight glass the entire 28 years that I had it. Once, I overfilled it and was quite confused until it was parked on the side of a steep hill.

 

[bosshogg]

Make sure that the fluid level is not so high that the bright white background is "yellowish" from the fluid.

Park the tractor on a slope with the sight glass on the uphill side. If the background is now bright white then the problem is a simple overfill issue.

My L3650-DT kept a clear sight glass the entire 28 years that I had it. Once, I overfilled it and was quite confused until it was parked on the side of a steep hill.

Great advice...I ran into the same problem because I overfilled it. Shining a flashlight into the bubble also helps to tell if your staring at fluid or empty space.

 

[bobkubota]

All of your replies have been very informative.

The lens in the gauge has been the same dull white since I purchased the tractor 4 years ago. I know the tractor was low on hydraulic fluid a few days ago as it was not running the lift without making a noise. I added 1 1/2 gallon of fluid and that solved the issue. I saw no difference in the gauge. My believe is the bubble lens is simply discolored.

There have been some hydraulic line leaks and fluid has been added from time to time.

I will try shining a flashlight on it and see if the fluid becomes visible.

The replacement gauge has been order and I feel confident that I can change it.

Again thanks for all of the replies.

bob

 

[bosshogg]

All of your replies have been very informative.

The lens in the gauge has been the same dull white since I purchased the tractor 4 years ago. I know the tractor was low on hydraulic fluid a few days ago as it was not running the lift without making a noise. I added 1 1/2 gallon of fluid and that solved the issue. I saw no difference in the gauge. My believe is the bubble lens is simply discolored.

There have been some hydraulic line leaks and fluid has been added from time to time.

I will try shining a flashlight on it and see if the fluid becomes visible.

The replacement gauge has been order and I feel confident that I can change it.

Again thanks for all of the replies.

bob

Another poster once stated to park the tractor on a hill sideways with the bubble on the high side to prevent fluid from running out while changing. I thought it sounded like a good idea.

 

[GWD]

It will be very interesting to see how this all turns out.

Be sure to post back on what outcome resulted.

 

[skeets]

The OL says Im half a bubble off plumb

 

[GWD]

The OL says Im half a bubble off plumb

Is OL the special designation of a psychiatrist?

 

[skeets]

Well now that you mention it I did meet her in phyc hospital