ZTatZAU 6 #1 Posted 5 hours ago Hello everyone! It's been quite awhile since I've posted here. As per my 520H Owner's Manual (Model 73501-3900001+), I drained the transmission oil and removed the filter... then reinstalled drain plug and new filter. The manual says capacity is approximately 5 qts but to start with only 4 qts and then add oil to between L & F marks on dipstick. As I was filling with a funnel, through the dipstick/filler tube one quart at a time, I heard a lot of gurgling and gulping as the oil level in the funnel slowly dropped and flowed into the trans. Bottom line is, I could only add about 3.5 qts of new oil, which is now full to the very top brim of the dipstick/filler tube. I.E. It seems I will need to remove oil to get down to the L&F marks on the dipstick. Somewhat frustrated, at this point, I measured the drained oil and found I had drained only about 3.5 qts out of the trans. I remember reading about raising the front of the tractor to help drain ALL the trans oil, "over the hump", but IIRC this was on a tractor other than a 520H. Does this "raising the front end", in fact, apply to the 520H in order to drain ALL the transmission oil? Any suggestions on how best to proceed at this point, are most welcome! ZT Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 10,085 #2 Posted 2 hours ago 3 1/2 to 4 sounds about right. The system when complete empty with take closer to 5. The hydro pump, deck lift system remains filled when you drain. no need to lift front end, that is on manual transmissions. Fill and recheck the next day, as per the dip stick. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZTatZAU 6 #3 Posted 1 hour ago 19 minutes ago, JoeM said: 3 1/2 to 4 sounds about right. The system when complete empty with take closer to 5. The hydro pump, deck lift system remains filled when you drain. no need to lift front end, that is on manual transmissions. Fill and recheck the next day, as per the dip stick. Thanks much Joe! I appreciate your well reasoned reply that has fully resolved my confusion and concerns. So, I guess there's nothing else to do but get back at it with a length of hose in the filler tube, to remove the excess oil, in order to get the oil level down to its normal operating range. Any other suggestions appreciated! ZT Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 11,619 #4 Posted 1 hour ago As you said, it brim full, but it probable has some air in it. Start it and run it around until it's warmed up, operate the hydraulic lift cylinder multiple times. Let it cool, then check and adjust the oil level to read correctly on the dipstick. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZTatZAU 6 #5 Posted 1 hour ago 12 minutes ago, oliver2-44 said: As you said, it brim full, but it probable has some air in it. Start it and run it around until it's warmed up, operate the hydraulic lift cylinder multiple times. Let it cool, then check and adjust the oil level to read correctly on the dipstick. That's encouraging, Oliver! Would you not take the oil level down, at least to the full mark, before starting and running it around? While I saw no specific warnings on it in the TORO OM, is there any danger in operating the transmission if it's overfilled. I do understand your logic that if there is still some air in there, the oil level will go down on its own. ZT Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sqrlgtr 3,235 #6 Posted 49 minutes ago (edited) 18 minutes ago, ZTatZAU said: That's encouraging, Oliver! Would you not take the oil level down, at least to the full mark, before starting and running it around? While I saw no specific warnings on it in the TORO OM, is there any danger in operating the transmission if it's overfilled. I do understand your logic that if there is still some air in there, the oil level will go down on its own. ZT If you're not in a hurry let set over night /next day, then check it. I would rather have it a little low as way to full myself. I changed mine back a month or so and took me about 3 days of checking, running, and sitting overnight and so on to get it where I wanted it . I am pretty OCD though... Edited 49 minutes ago by sqrlgtr Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZTatZAU 6 #7 Posted 35 minutes ago 6 minutes ago, sqrlgtr said: If you're not in a hurry let set over night /next day, then check it. I would rather have it a little low as way to full myself. I changed mine back a month or so and took me about 3 days of checking, running, and sitting overnight and so on to get it where I wanted it . I am pretty OCD though... Appreciate the info sqrlgtr! I already let it sit overnight with a half-full funnel of oil stuck in the filler tube. I don't think the level is going down any on its own until things get going in there. I've been syphoning oil out with a small tube capped with my thumb. It's slow going but I'm down to about 1/4" over the F mark. Now that the oil is down into the case, (out of the filler tube), each draw drops the oil level less. ZT Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sqrlgtr 3,235 #8 Posted 17 minutes ago good deal. Ive overfilled before (not my 520H) but always just pulled plug and let a little out, but it can get messy. If you get it pretty close to full mark Just run her a little then check it. the 520H has become one of my favorite mochines and just love that Onan 20hp hum. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
