1999 520 XI Tranny Pops Out of Gear

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,351]

I recently picked up a low hour (490) 1999 520 Xi. Tranny fluid is clean. I am noticing that when going down inclines it will sort of come out of gear and freewheel but not like in neutral rather partially engaged. Anyone have this situation? Is there an adjustment on the hydro selector lever? Any advise would be appreciated. 

 

 

[WVHillbilly520H 10,374]

39 minutes ago, stevebo said:

I recently picked up a low hour (490) 1999 520 Xi. Tranny fluid is clean. I am noticing that when going down inclines it will sort of come out of gear and freewheel but not like in neutral rather partially engaged. Anyone have this situation? Is there an adjustment on the hydro selector lever? Any advise would be appreciated. 

 

I had a 520xi that had been dragging a 60" deck that did the same thing until I went to do the neutral cam adjustment I found the transaxle to frame bolts all loose after re-tightening those and adjusting neutral seemed to cure that.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,351]

So the bolts that hold the tranny to the frame were loose?

[WVHillbilly520H 10,374]

1 hour ago, stevebo said:

So the bolts that hold the tranny to the frame were loose?

Yes, and a couple were even broken.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,351]

Ok. I believe that I should be able to see if I take the tunnel cover off?

[WVHillbilly520H 10,374]

3 hours ago, stevebo said:

Ok. I believe that I should be able to see if I take the tunnel cover off?

No, Actually the frame is bolted to the transaxle behind the rear wheels since is shaft driven... Also by taking the right rear wheel , seat and fender pan off you can do the neutral service on the shift cam.

[Kurt-NEPA 755]

Stevebo, are you saying your 520xi seems to freewheel down a hill a bit.  And then the hydro seem to kick in and slow the tractor?

 

If yes, that is a common trait of the Eaton 1100 hydrostatic.  It seems to vary among units.  I've had 5 of them and they all do it to one degree or another.

 

Kurt

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,351]

10 hours ago, Kurt-NEPA said:

Stevebo, are you saying your 520xi seems to freewheel down a hill a bit.  And then the hydro seem to kick in and slow the tractor?

 

If yes, that is a common trait of the Eaton 1100 hydrostatic.  It seems to vary among units.  I've had 5 of them and they all do it to one degree or another.

 

Kurt

Kurt,

No this is actually coming out of hi gear but not in neutral either. I have to stop with the brake and then put it back into gear. 

[Kurt-NEPA 755]

55 minutes ago, stevebo said:

Kurt,

No this is actually coming out of hi gear but not in neutral either. I have to stop with the brake and then put it back into gear. 

 

Wow, so it is popping out of gear in the Hi/Lo transmission.  I'm wondering if the spring broke on the shifter.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,096]

See a detent ball and spring accessible by removing a set screw on the top of the transmission case. Item #8 #9 #10 looks to be for the high-low.

https://www.partstree.com/models/73542-520-xi-toro-garden-tractor-sn-099000001-099999999-1999/hydro-transaxle-assembly-38/

 

Garry

 

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,351]

Thanks guys for the info. I am going to try and look into this soon. Busy work day maybe tomorrow afternoon. 

[19richie66 17,522]

I’ll be watching for the cure. Not that I have any hills to mow on or anything but will be interested in the outcome.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,351]

Ok so here is what I did...

 

1.  Checked to ensure the rear was connected tight to the frame and two of the bolts were just slightly loose so they got tightened. Still not fixed

2.  Pulled fender pan and really cleaned EVERYTHING good. Found the set screw on top rear corner of the tranny that holds the detent spring in place. That was loose. I puled spring, inspected it and stretched it slightly and then reinstalled. 

3.  Oil fluid was overfull so I changed oil and filter (takes 5 quarts with the new filter. 

 

I have not driven it for an extended period of time however so far no popping out of gear going down a few hills when tested. 

 

Hopefully that is the trick. I feel the issue was the detent screw was not tighten enough. Thank you for everyones help. I hope to test it out more this weekend.