860 Transmission Questions

The first is in regards to the oil or fluid to use in this unit. The service manual (which I own) suggests using "Mild Extreme Pressure Lubricant SAE 80". What might be a modern equivelant of this fluid? I already have five gallons of a Shell "Premium AQ Hydraulic Oil". Will this be adequate for the transmission?

Second question... On the bottom of the transmission case, to the right (as facing the front of the tractor), slightly forward of the drain plug there is a square plate attached. I can find no reference to this plate in any of the service material I have. This plate, which is about 4 inches by 4 inches, is attached with 4 bolts. There is oil seepage from around this plate. My thought has been to drain the transmission oil, and while the unit is empty, drop this plate and replace the gasket at the same time. Will this work as I think it will, or would there be problems if I pull this plate off or other issues to be aware of? BTW, what's this plate for?

Last question... On the left of the tranny are three "plugs", which are described as "shift rail spring seats". There is also oil weeping from two of the three plugs. Again, I was thinking after draining the transimission, remove the two offending plugs and replacing the gaskets (I tried snugging them down but that didn't stop the leaks). Can these plugs be removed in the context I describe, the gaskets replaced and reinstalled without creating other problems?

Thanks in advance!

Kelly

2. Clutch housing inspection plate. The oil could be from the rear of your engine, or the front of the transmission.

3. There are interlock plungers and springs behind the seals. I don't think the transmission oil should come up as far as the plugs.

Good Luck.

Regarding the oil around the two plugs on the transmission... after carefully looking the tractor over today in good light, I now suspect the oil is leaking from the steering housing and running ever so slowly down the case and being captured by the indentations around the plugs.

Thansk to everyone who responded...

Kelly

I did remove the plate, and though the inside surface of the plate did have a bit of "gunk" on it, it was quite oil-free inside the housing. I suspect the oil is migrating from somewhere else and showing up on one of the bolts that attaches the inspection plate. This one bolt may be a low spot on the tractor.

One other question regarding this inspection plate. There is a small hole drilled in the middle of the plate, say about 3/16 dia or so. I'm guessing it's not original (from the factory), but I'm not sure. Is this original, and if so, what's it's purpose. If it's not original, I'll probably plug it with a short bolt/nut to prevent contamination from getting into the housing.

Thanks...

Kelly

> The only one I can help with is the 4" X 4 " > plate. It is only an inspection plate for the
> clutch housing. If there is oil leaking from > around it, you either have a rear main seal
> leaking or the front transmission seal is > leaking. You can remove the plate without > draining the transmission.

Thanks!

Kelly