520H strip down and cleaning. The good and Bad.

[WheelhorseBob 1,550]

Well today I stripped the 520 down for a though cleaning. This machine only has 318 hrs on the clock but what a mess! I've never owned a rear discharge deck but this is making me think rear discharge isn't a great idea with a hydro tractor. I've never seen so much debris packed in the rear as on this one. All the dirt and clippings blow out the back for the hydro fan to blow all over the transaxle. Oh well she cleaned up well. The bad, seems oil is leaking some where. The right side or fan side was encrusted in dirt that looks to be oil soaked. Now that its clean I have a shot at finding what is leaking. Second, I've already experienced electrical gremlins. It charges at 17+volts verified with a meter. I cleaned all terminals on the VR and mounted it with a new bolt. Still 17+. Also the head lights only work sometimes. I've replaced and cleaned all fuses and will work my way through all electrical connections. My neutral switch was jumped, found that after it wouldn't turn over after cleaning. New switch is probably needed. Good news, the Onan runs like a top and has zero debris in the cooling fins. BTW does Toro still sell the rattle cans of paint? I need to redo the floor board and I've used tat years ago.  

[SPINJIM 1,986]

I've seen the rattle cans of Toro paint on ebay, but don't know whether the Toro dealers still can get it.   Many of us use Rustoleum Regal Red for a good color match.  There are some 520H expects here on the forum who should be able to advise you on the voltage output.   Might need a new regulator.  

Is that an MG in your garage.  Nice car.  Which model?

BTW,  WELCOME TO RED SQUARE.  

   Jim

[johnnymag3 2,633]

MG...not Whee lHorse

 

 

[lynnmor 8,270]

Toro New Red is what you want, Regal Red is too dark.

New aftermarket voltage regulators are cheap on eBay and have worked well for me.

I pull the seat and fender every year after mowing season, that debris will lay wet all winter causing rust if the tractor does snow duty.

The headlight is grounded at the temperature sensor on the head, it may be corroded.

The oil leak at the transaxle might be coming out of the dipstick tube.  Mine will do that and I believe that temperature changes add to the problem.  Running the oil level at the low end of the safe range might help.  There is a tiny passage in the dipstick loop that acts as a vent, check that it is open.

If you can see the number on the switch, they can be bought at electronic supply places for a fraction of what Toro charges.

[WheelhorseBob 1,550]

Thanks for the input guys, I'll check the dip stick and headlight ground. I already ordered an eBay regulator. @ SPINJIM, yes that is my 1959 MGA 1600.

[peter lena 9,575]

you can add a rear discharge rubber strip to the carriage bolt square holes on that deck that will cut down on the debris . i personally like the r/d decks better than the s/d , because they empty out , much better then the s/d decks . also important to regularly drop the deck and clean out , and penetrating oil spray down to prevent rust out . i like the thoroughness of your strip down cleaning , that is a very good base line , what you have  also lets you find and prevent future problem areas , pete  

[WheelhorseBob 1,550]

@peter lena I couldn't help myself and mowed the yard with this tractor once before the current go through. I will say the 42" rear discharge has a beautiful cut! I have a very nice 312-8 with a 42" recycler that I believe is the same basic shell as the rear discharge deck, it is my main mower so the 520 is going to pull my cord wood trailer and blow snow with the 44" blower. At least that's the plan....

[WVHillbilly520H 10,377]

11 hours ago, SPINJIM said:

I've seen the rattle cans of Toro paint on ebay, but don't know whether the Toro dealers still can get it.   Many of us use Rustoleum Regal Red for a good color match.  There are some 520H expects here on the forum who should be able to advise you on the voltage output.   Might need a new regulator.  

Is that an MG in your garage.  Nice car.  Which model?

BTW,  WELCOME TO RED SQUARE.  

   Jim

I wouldn't know why TORO dealers couldn't get spray paint they still sell ZTR mowers in TORO Red... And those VRs are cheap enough on eBay or Amazon $10+...https://www.ebay.com/itm/203046468045... Over charging will kill a battery worse than under.

[Lee1977 7,462]

Charging high like that usually mean your grounds are not grounding. Try cleaning your grounds, and maybe run another ground directly to the engine block from the negative battery post.

[peter lena 9,575]

agree with you LEE on that grounding issue , did all three of my horses with a grounding upgrade ,adding a separate base bolt on new ground wire   to negative battery post and new bolts and dielectric grease at grounding bases . its simple stuff , but vital for solid electrical function, pete