MTD Tradesman Pt 2

[rjt1234]

I have a 1996 MTD Tradesman GT 18.5H 46" Lawn Garden tractor. Which recently had a belt problem (solved by you guys, thanx again).

Now that it runs again I have a lingering problem I need to fix. Oil leakage, very very slow leak. But it makes a mess.
It has a :
Briggs & Stratton
Model 42A707
Type 1238 01
Code 9602025A

1) How do I get all of this oily dirt off so that I can see the engine again.
2) Tips on figuring out what/where the leaks is? (sorry I know that is vague, need to start somewhere though.)
RJ

[Luffydog]

I use purple power. spray it on let it sit then spray it off and might have to use pressure sprayer. Don't let sit on plastic it might change the color or fade it.

[bgsengine]

For the leak - Go to your local auto parts store and pick up a small bottle of tracerline Dye-Lite leak detector dye for oils, and you can probably pick up or borrow a small U.V. LED Flashlight (Whole kit can be had on Amazon for relatively cheap) - Just make sure you dont shine that UV light in anybody's eyes (they come with Amber safety glasses to block U.V. glare)

The dye will show up under ultraviolet - if you can get natural sunlight to shine on the leak area, you can spot it without the light, too.

Just be careful not to spill any and try not to get it on your hands, or you glow in sunlight It can be difficult to completely clean off, hence the advice to not spill anything.

Pour a little bit (1/8 ounce) in your engine oil filler and run the engine a couple hours til you notice oil leaking and then use the U.V. light to trace the leak back to its source.

Chances are quite good that you have a loose engine sump to crankcase bolt.. It is not uncommon. (if that is the case, it will only get worse til you pull the engine and replace the base gasket, blue loctite on the bolts and torque it down to specs.)

[StarTech]

I use an air power engine cleaning wand from HF with a good degreaser.

With it being a opposed engine it may be leaking around crankcase access panel. Several that I have work on all was leaking there.

[Deere2me]

I have a 1996 MTD Tradesman GT 18.5H 46" Lawn Garden tractor. Which recently had a belt problem (solved by you guys, thanx again).

Now that it runs again I have a lingering problem I need to fix. Oil leakage, very very slow leak. But it makes a mess.
It has a :
Briggs & Stratton
Model 42A707
Type 1238 01
Code 9602025A

1) How do I get all of this oily dirt off so that I can see the engine again.
2) Tips on figuring out what/where the leaks is? (sorry I know that is vague, need to start somewhere though.)
RJ

I use a pistol grip air blowgun that I soldered a 24" length of small dia brake line tubing to. Just stand back and blow the oily dirt away. Can get kinda messy from blow-back, but that's what I got my short pistol grip blowgun for! Then use a little gas or solvent and a small 1" cut down paint brush to clean off the residue.
Whatever way ya decide to do it, ya should remove the belt/s so they don't get soaked in whatever crap ya use.

[bobodu]

Kerosene....screw the EPA....

[Luffydog]

at five dollars a gallon i think the screwing is the other way around

[KE4AVB]

Kerosene....screw the EPA....

Heck I use my 2C fuel mix most times; just haven't lit a match yet. My hair getting long so I might so soon to get a good trim .

[Luffydog]

good ole can of brake parts cleaner and and charge them misc shop supplies lol plus clean up

[mwerles]

A self-service car wash works great,load it on a trailer and blast away.(If you are near one)
Les