massey 231 oil leaking

tractorman77 · May 20, 2016

I have a massey ferguson 231 that is leaking oil out of what appears to be vent ports on the underside of the tractor. It looks like the end of a cotter pin is sticking out of these holes. The oil leaks while the engine is running and for a little while after it shuts down. I'd appreciate any advice on why it is leaking and, if the holes are vent holes, what happens when/if I plug them up? I've tried to attach a picture.

ptfarmer · May 20, 2016

You don't want to plug those holes, they are supposed to stay open incase a engine, or transmission seal starts leaking so it won't get oil on the clutch. Does oil come out in a steady stream, or does it drip? If it drips how many drips come out in a minute?

Dieseltech · May 21, 2016

Follow ptfarmer's advice, don't plug the hole. Oil color will help with which is leaking, if black, engine oil. If lighter brown/clear its trans fluid. If both levels go down together there's a chance oil is from both engine and transmission.

tractorman77 · May 21, 2016

It is engine oil that is leaking and it drips quite a bit. I've added a quart after running the tractor off and on for about an hour.

ptfarmer · May 22, 2016

The rear main seal is going out, you are going to have to split the tractor to fix it. If it runs good otherwise, it would be worth while to drop the oil pan, and look at the bearings. I'd change the input shaft seals for the transmission as well, and look at the clutch for any oil contamination, or wear.

tractorman77 · May 22, 2016

Thanks for the info. I have a service manual and will look at what it takes to replace the rear main seal. If it's over my head, I'll take it somewhere to get worked on.

massey 231 oil leaking

tractorman77

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