3020 / 4020 Engine Oil Cooler

[Mule#333]

I'm having some issues with a leaky drain tube from the engine oil cooler. The drain tube is what I'm calling the curved pipe going from the top of the cooler into the bottom of the block. I took it apart because it was leaking pretty good at the top of the tube, where it inserts into the oil cooler. Supposedly this seals with an o-ring. I bought the o-ring from Deere, and also have several o-ring kits of various sizes. No o-rings were in the unit when I disassembled. Inside the port on the cooler where the tube is inserted, there are 2 grooves, as if made to hold 2 o-rings (even though only 1 is shown on the parts diagram), but I'll be darned if I can make any o-ring fit, and if I insert the drain pipe, it just pushes the o-ring into the top of the cooler.

Has anybody here ever completed this repair? Am I missing something? The pipe fits snugly into the cooler, but will leak without an o-ring. I'm very seriously considering just using rtv sealant or similar as I am completely stumped on this one.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

 

[matthies]

When installing that line or the lines on the thermostat housing, I do use black silicone to help on the install. But I am betting that the original is baked/hardened in place and you are going to have to get mean with it and dig it out. The two grooves you are seeing are maybe the sides of the oring, the only thing I can think of.

 

[Mule#333]

When installing that line or the lines on the thermostat housing, I do use black silicone to help on the install. But I am betting that the original is baked/hardened in place and you are going to have to get mean with it and dig it out. The two grooves you are seeing are maybe the sides of the oring, the only thing I can think of.

Thank you for that. Definitely nothing left in the grooves. I dug some gunk out with a pick, and totally clean now

 

[Mule#333]

When installing that line or the lines on the thermostat housing, I do use black silicone to help on the install. But I am betting that the original is baked/hardened in place and you are going to have to get mean with it and dig it out. The two grooves you are seeing are maybe the sides of the oring, the only thing I can think of.

Holy smokes! I jumped the gun with my reply!! I just went back to quadruple check myself and you are 100% correct!

I cannot thank you enough. I consider myself pretty good at what I do - this one made me feel pretty foolish!

 

[matthies]

It happens. Glad to help.