H Trans Fluid

Sunday I planned to change the fluid, I opened the drain in the rear under the pto and maybe a pint drained out. It was like my kids chocolate milk, but very much like syrup. I also opened the drain in the front, just behind the lift-all and just a tiny bit came out there also.

Have I been running my tractor with only a pint of fluid when there should be 6 gallons? Or am I missing something?

Chock the front wheels then jack up the rear end so both wheels are free to turn. Block/crib under the drawbar bracket or the axle castings - DON'T leave the tractor on a jack!

Remove the filler plug on the transmission deck and dump in as much diesel fuel or kerosene as it will hold. If the tranny is really empty it'll take at 10+ gallons to fill completely - if there's sludge it will of course hold less.

Next fire up the engine, put the transmission into road gear and open the throttle all the way. Also engage the PTO and if the tractor has a belt pulley, put that into gear too. Now go have a coffee (or a beer…) leaving the tractor running to give the diesel time mix with/dissolve the sludge.

Finally shut it down and immediately remove the drain plug. If nothing comes out, poke a broom handle or something into the drain opening to break thru the sludge (stand back!) Also loosen the belt pulley gear box and let it drain.

Unless the sludge is impossibly congealed, one or two treatments of the above should get it out.