MF 240 Transmission/Hydraulic fluid level question

M. Cox

New User
Hi everyone, new to this forum but been reading posts since spring. I purchased a MF 240 (believe 1990 manufacture by serial no.) this summer. I am a little panicked by this situation and need advice.
We have been checking the tranmission/hydraulic fluid level by dipstick that is under the seat on right side like any good MF owner. It has been in normal range. However when it got a little low, I opened the fill port on the top left side of the the transmission. To my surprise it was nearly empty. You can easily see the transmission gears. I would expect they would be mostly covered by fluid. So we added some transmission/hyrdraulic fluid. After running the tractor a bit. The fluid on the dipstick has risen to full capacity, but there is less fluid visible through the port than after adding fluid (nearly empty). I hope that this means the filter is clogged but am unsure as a cannot find any information about this situation.
Questions:
1) How full should the tranmission case be when looking through the fill port.
2) What are signs/symptoms of a clogged hyrdraulic fluid filter?

I appreaciate your advice.
 
Hello,
DON'T PANIC.
It is quite normal for the internal components of the transmission to appear 'dry'.
As long as your dipstick is un damaged and being inserted fully you have nothing to
worry about. The 'Full' mark is just that. The oil level will be correct. The 240 has
shoe brakes and overfilling the level can cause oil to pass the inner seals and
ultimately find its way past the outer seals and onto the brake shoes. In addition to
this the increased oil level will allow oil to find its way along the input shaft into
the transmission and ultimately onto the clutch plates. The transmission is lubricated
by splash from the revolving components. Even if the oil level disappears off the
dipstick in most cases the transmission will be safe. There are wells in the bottom of
the gearbox and final drive that will retain oil for lubrication if the main level
falls. The first thing to fail in this event will be the hydraulic system which has a
higher intake point. When filling the oil you should allow a minute or two for the oil
level to stabilize in the entire transmission before checking it. There is no filter to
become blocked but there are slight restrictions to reduce surge when working on slopes.
A blocked main pump filter can be seen by reduced response from the 3-point linkage or
operating a tipping trailer or loader very slowly.

DavidP, South Wales
 
is the tractor dripping any trans/hyd fluid out of the bottom of the weep hole?

if not, then wait until morning or after the tractor has set for a few hours before you check the fluid level. If you have the right dipstick it should read between 1/2 - full.

do not overfill this sump or it can run over and get on your clutch or brakes.

on my old TO35 you can open the oil fill plug and see the gears, shifter rods, they are not covered in oil, but as soon as you fire up and take off the oil moves around and provides proper protection as it still runs good.

get a manual and be sure you use the proper hyd, transmission oil, not just any crap off the TSC shelf, its higher at dealership, but you might be better off in the long run, using top quality oil.

if it has a filter, then you should check it and be sure its clean.

good luck with the tractor.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top