Problem

[Vinn_scor 6]

My 2003 Toro Wheel Horse 315-8 likes to slip out of high gear every now and then. I do not know what this could be. Any ideas? The fluid needs to be changed and I asked about that in another topic. Also, will changing the fluid that has never been changed it's entire lie ruin the transaxle even more? Thanks to all who reply!

[953 nut 55,818]

The problem you are experiencing is the result of the transmission being shifted "on the fly" rather than being shifted at a full stop. There is no quick fix for this problem. Your 3523 gear is bad and a rebuild of the transmission with a new or good used one is the only solution.

[ebinmaine 68,399]

1 hour ago, 953 nut said:

The problem you are experiencing is the result of the transmission being shifted "on the fly" rather than being shifted at a full stop. There is no quick fix for this problem. Your 3523 gear is bad and a rebuild of the transmission with a new or good used one is the only solution.

 

There are dozens of pages on this website and the most awesome technical knowledge to help you fix your transmission.

 

 

And...

1 hour ago, Vinn_scor said:

will changing the fluid that has never been changed it's entire lie ruin the transaxle even more?

Absolutely not.

Your 8-speed transmission is made up entirely of real old-fashioned actual metal gears on the interior.

Clean them out and flush the transmission like it's stated in your other post and you'll be doing yourself and your tractor a wonderful favor.

 

 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,961]

[KC9KAS 4,741]

@Vinn_scor  to 

[Racinbob 11,232]

Definitely flush it out and get some fresh gear lube in there. The 3523 gear Richard is referring to is the 2nd/3rd gear and is a common problem. Your transmission has a 5173 gear instead of a 3523 and the problem seemed to go away but that could be because the transmissions that use the 5173 gear are newer. After getting it flushed out and fresh lube in it make sure the shifter feels right. You should feel the detent balls engage in the shift rails. If all feels normal that opening it up is going to have to happen. 

[peter lena 8,726]

original fluid ?  really?  learned early on, to get after all forms of baseline maintenance, that way ,you know what you have. I use ATF FLUID as a trans flush , and do it a couple of times , the existing moisture filled slurry in your trans , has been steadily binding up all movement. probably replace the shift boot too. after flush  / refill  , the trans ,will not suddenly be fixed, the crud has caused a rusty film preventing movement. if you have a place nearby ,where you can drive the tractor , is best , fresh fluid ,cleaning, and doing what its supposed to do at driving speed , will really help flushing. I also use every gear, and hi/lo  range to make sure all parts get flushed and lubed. my recent base line baseline maintenance on a 312-8 , found  many issues, trans was very stiff , now its very smooth and quiet. use car ramps to lift your front end , and increase the drain on trans. basic stuff, good luck, Pete

[oliver2-44 9,870]

Since it is a manual gear transmission, I would drain it (and jack up the front end as others have suggested) Then fill it full of diesel or kerosene. Jack up the rear and block it steady with jack stands or some blocking. Then run the tractor in each gear for 5 or so minutes, repeat this cycle 2-5 times.  You could also drive it around the yard/street with the diesel in it, but don't do any work with it. With the transmission full of diesel you make have a seal or 2 leak and that is OK, the diesel is a lot thinner then the gear oil. However make note of those leak areas, it might be good to replace those seals if you split it open.  Then drain diesel (jack up front end) and fill with you choice of 90W gear oil.

[Vinn_scor 6]

Thank you so much everybody, your advice will be put to use