slice15061 5 #1 Posted 18 hours ago So I am a small engine mechanic, used to be full time now just side gig. I usually work on scag, exmark and other commercial stuff. A family friend came to me and said chat gpt told him to top off the transaxle fluid with atf then it started moving very slowly lol. I brought it to my shop. Drained the fluid, filled it ran it, drained it again repeat etc with new filter. Im not sure how these things usually act but it seems like there is a lot of play in the controls. I have to move the lever alot before it starts moving. Is this normal? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
702854boy 548 #2 Posted 18 hours ago There might need to be an adjustment made in the control linkages, and for the transmission fluid, both atf and I think 10w30 work in them, but they can not be interchanged. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 17,432 #3 Posted 17 hours ago (edited) 34 minutes ago, 702854boy said: both atf and I think 10w30 work in them, but they can not be interchanged. Not correct for an Eaton, only true for an older Sundstrand. If the tractor was a 1997 model, it has an Eaton transmission. Hydraulic lift would make it an 1100 model. 10w30 only in those. If the tranny filter faces the rear, it's an Eaton 1100. There are some Eaton 700 models (312A, 516H, 518H), but they won't have hydraulic lift. They use 5w20 oil. No external filter as well. Edited 17 hours ago by kpinnc 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 20,012 #4 Posted 9 hours ago More AI misinformation..... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 64,485 #5 Posted 8 hours ago Unlike AI we need more information to be able to make a correct diagnosis. What is the model number on the you are working on? Not all hydrostatic transaxles were the same over the years. Some earlier models came from the factory with ATF. The play in the controls could also depend on the model you are working with, Sundstrand has a plastic cam that could need replacement and Eaton linkage can need adjustment. Pictures of the area where the play is taking place would be helpful. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 11,284 #6 Posted 5 hours ago Regarding the play in the linkage, start by removing the rear fender and give the transmission (and whole tractor ) a good cleaning. Especially clean the linkage on top the transmission/tunnel area. Trying to adjust dirty linkage is just asking for frustration of things acting different with every adjustment. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice15061 5 #7 Posted 4 hours ago (edited) 4 hours ago, 953 nut said: Unlike AI we need more information to be able to make a correct diagnosis. What is the model number on the you are working on? Not all hydrostatic transaxles were the same over the years. Some earlier models came from the factory with ATF. The play in the controls could also depend on the model you are working with, Sundstrand has a plastic cam that could need replacement and Eaton linkage can need adjustment. Pictures of the area where the play is taking place would be helpful. M: 73423 S:7900486 Im heading out now to clean it up and get some pics Edited 4 hours ago by slice15061 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice15061 5 #8 Posted 4 hours ago 1 hour ago, oliver2-44 said: Regarding the play in the linkage, start by removing the rear fender and give the transmission (and whole tractor ) a good cleaning. Especially clean the linkage on top the transmission/tunnel area. Trying to adjust dirty linkage is just asking for frustration of things acting different with every adjustment. Im going out to give it a good wash now. Ill keep you posted Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
