Oil leak location?
 

:bigthink:
Now that all the "other tractors" are gone, I'm focused on the 1450. As most are aware, I'm still looking for a tiller. Once found, I can work on the 3rd hydraulic circuit to operate the rear lift. This morning while washing her, I noticed oil residue on the top of the frame on the right side. I removed both side covers and found spots of oil residue everywhere, more on the right side of engine and side cover than on the left side. Nothing heavy, but when rubbed with fingers, you could tell it was oil. There was heavy oil on the engine oil drain plug, but no oil spot on the driveway. Every other week or so, I have to add engine oil, amount varies but I don't remember ever adding more then half a quart. I assumed she was using oil due to age, but there is no residue in the muffler that I can tell. I also found one of the hydraulic relief valves is leaking, but I figure with the fan, that oil should be going towards the rear of the tractor. My question is: Is there a common oil leak problem with the QL series? I don't really want to remove all the sheet metal, (yeah, mines still all there). I only use her about 2 hrs a week. I have cleaned from the dash tower forward as best as I can with Greased Ligthning. I figure I'll leave the side covers off the next mowing and check the areas ya'll tell me about.
Thanks!.

my 1250 had a bad crank seal behind the PTO which made a mess around the engine and frame.

The cork gasket behind the hydro pump was leaking also,Very Common with the QLs, and that was very noticeable under the tractor on the floor.

I tore the tractor apart and did a total engine rebuild which it needed a new governor anyway. I split the rear and replaced the pump gasket and made trunion repairs while I was at it. Good Luck.

In a case like this, it is best to wash things down with your favorite flavor of cleaning fluid, like Kerosine etc. then you have a clean start to trace leaks.
A leaking pressure relief valve most generally dribbles down on itself and finds it's way on the floor. after making the hydro nice and oily allowing it to attract dirt/dust/crud.