5216 hydro question

[tripleguy 74]

I have a 5216H that has been having issues with the hydro trans. Losing power going up hills lately and I know I have a differential leak so fluid is low. I've elected to add fluid vs. cracking the case and repairing. So I know the fluid is low but now I also have been losing power up hills. The Eaton hydro does NOT have a filter and isn't serviceable beyond a total tear down except that I can drain and fill. Fluid level is fine and fluid was changed a couple years ago and looks good. Do you think that adding differential fluid will help or is this a hydro problem. Want to know before I tear into it or just replace. I also need head gaskets because I'm losing oil but I don't want to tackle engine issues if hydro is toast. Tranny doesn't slip really - goes forward and back and responds OK. It just loses power going up a hill. Today it stalled and jerked a bit. I backed off on the lever and climbed the hill but slowly. it was pretty hot to the touch when I finished. Belt slippage - don't think so but maybe? Opinions on Simplicity or similar AC units?

Edited October 15, 2016 by tripleguy

[dhoadley 1,747]

There's another post about an A/C 616H that I believe is essentially the same tractor.  I'm starting to see a pattern...

[tripleguy 74]

Except I don't have engagement issues - just doesn't have the "pull" it normally does. I changed fluids and gearbox fluid and it seems better. I have an oil leak in the engine that is probably oiling the belt some as well. I'll have to dig in some more on this I guess.

[Mike_H 92]

If its responsive, and only losing power up hills...I'd guess belt first.  If you've been getting oil on the belt, and its been slipping, it might be glazed up...and time to replace.  Check the tension springs, and put a new belt on it...oh, and get that oil leak fixed!

[tripleguy 74]

Yes, oil leak will get fixed. Drive shaft seal appears to be leaking and spraying. Hydro is responsive, just loses power up hills.