krystolo 504 #1 Posted March 10, 2021 Is this where I check the transmission fluid? If so, it appears to be dry. What should I refill with? Have read motor oil, gear oil, trans fluid. 1977 c160. thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,866 #2 Posted March 10, 2021 (edited) That is the place to check... If the dipstick is dry I wouldn't run the tractor. Stick a long screw driver down to find the fluid. Check the color on a clean paper towel Red use Dex/Merc ATF tan use 10w-30 motor oil. If it is that low I would change the oil and filter (Wix 51410) Edited March 10, 2021 by pfrederi 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,321 #3 Posted March 10, 2021 77 SHOULD BE MOTOR OIL. But that doesn't mean some one hasn't changed it or swapped the trans for an older one. If you can't get any oil to show up on the stick or with a long screwdriver, either drain some from the drain plug or remove the oil filter. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,321 #4 Posted March 10, 2021 Paul left out a # on his filter. It's Wix 51410 or Napa 1410 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 9,381 #5 Posted March 10, 2021 This may be a real stupid question but did you push the dipstick all the way down so it covers the top of the tube where there is no red paint until it bottoms out ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krystolo 504 #6 Posted March 10, 2021 (edited) 45 minutes ago, JCM said: This may be a real stupid question but did you push the dipstick all the way down so it covers the top of the tube where there is no red paint until it bottoms out ? I pushed it in as far as I could, but the top is totally loose. It doesn't screw on or tighten in any way. I could not feel it bottom out. Is that normal? Edited March 10, 2021 by krystolo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 9,381 #7 Posted March 10, 2021 (edited) When you push the dipstick in wiggle it left and right as you push down it should cover that non painted top. A few of mine go in hard if the old seal under the loop on top is hardened. The tube is plastic but could be brittle because of age. Try it again to see if it will bottom out and seal to the top of the tube. The dipstick as pictured is NOT down all the way to get a level reading. Edited March 10, 2021 by JCM 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krystolo 504 #8 Posted March 10, 2021 2 hours ago, JCM said: When you push the dipstick in wiggle it left and right as you push down it should cover that non painted top. A few of mine go in hard if the old seal under the loop on top is hardened. The tube is plastic but could be brittle because of age. Try it again to see if it will bottom out and seal to the top of the tube. The dipstick as pictured is NOT down all the way to get a level reading. Ok! I got it to snap down! Thank you! little bit of tan oil at the tip. Guess I need to add some 10w30? should I still change the filter? thank you so much for all of your advice! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 9,381 #9 Posted March 11, 2021 Your very welcome. If 10w30 is correct for your hydro then yes, If the existing oil is tan. If you do not know the condition or last tranny service interval I would get the old oil and filter out of there. If not a convenient time for that slowly add the amount you need to bring it between the hash marks on the dipstick for now, do not over fill it and take your time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
