1863 Hydro Problem?
 

Hello, my Dad has a late model 1863 that he bought new. It has around 1000 hours on it and has been VERY well maintained and has always been reliable. The worst thing is that it has been sitting in his garage for the last 5 years not being used because he bought a zero turn.

Last March we decided to get it running again. We cleaned the carb, new battery, and did general maintenance. When we got it started the transmission was growling and as it warmed up it quieted down. My Dad drove it a few days later and he told me that the transmission was growling again and it would not pull itself up a small hill. After it warmed up it seemed to be working as it should. Oh, hydro fluid level was Ok.

Yesterday I had to help my Dad mow so I was going to use the 1863. When I started it and moved the shifter forward, it would not move. Shifting back, it would not move. Checking the trans fluid level it was OK. I shifted the hydro lift valve and at first the lift would not move and after a time it started to move and slowly got stronger to what seemed to be normal movement. I then shifted the transmission lever and the 1863 moved as it should. I mowed for the next 3 hours with no issues. The hydro transmission seemed normal. When I shut it off, it started to roll and I had to apply the brake. The trans release lever was in the run position. When it's shut off you can easily push it no mater what position the release lever is in.

Ok guys what could be happening? I haven't removed any covers to check things out. There are no leaks and this has never happened before it was parked 5 years ago. The garage environment is good as far as garages go. Moisture is minimal but temperature varies with the Indiana seasons.

Any help is appreciated!

Thank You!

When was the last time the fluid and filter were changed?

+1 what Sam said and also check the hydro release valve on the bottom and make sure the button is not pushed in.

The hydro fluid hasn't been changed since we got it running again so I'm sure it's due and it's been discussed to this. I'll check the release button on the pump to see if it's stuck.

I would drain the hydro out of it and then remove the rear cover plate. When I did mine there wasn't a lot of gunk but then it hadn't been sitting for over 5 years either. A lot of that stuff that forms is boiled off while it is being driven. Obviously it had not been driven. Good advice from above. Oil/filter and then open the rear for a good look.:beerchug:

Rudy

I'd pull the cover and clean it before replacing the oil, why waste new oil.

Sam, are you sure you aren't my wife? That is awfully close to the kind of thing she would say to me! :beerchug:

Rudy

Your a lucky man to have a smart wife. :biggrin2:

Agreed to what the others said. Change the fluid and filter "after" you remove the rear cover and cleaning out the trans axle. Some times it makes a world of difference.:beerchug:

Good advice. Thanks!