Anyone have pics of what metal shavings in a gearbox look like? I tried Google and all I saw was shavings in big engines. definitely not something that I saw today.
So I Changed the oil today and while the oil was draining I saw what looked like silver glitter in the oil. It was definitely contrasted due to the gray colored oil. They were not chunks they were very small particles probably about the size of a grain of salt.
A few weeks ago I noticed a “whining" sound coming from their gearbox area. Exact location is still yet to be determined. Heck for all I know it could be the engine but I’m not 100% sure. The sound is there from engine idling but it’s more pronounced at higher RPMs.
Its loud enough to hear, but nothing thats unbearable. Ive noticed it because I am always around my equipment and detected a different tone.
The oil level is good and was changed last month with no indication of metal. Now today I had what I believe is shavings.
It looks exactly as you described it. A metallic powder almost. No point changing oil and going again, that’s metal on metal contact, you have an issue inside there somewhere.
It’s not uncommon to see shavings after the first oil change as the bearings and gears find there home it goes for anything brand new with tight tolerances and bearings that involve a few rpm. Definitely not normal to see after every oil change, it defeats the purpose of clean oil, these things only have a breather and sight glass, no filtration system.
Send it!!! Have a spare on hand (if possible) & swap it out when it breaks but send it properly in the meantime. On the side note, I’m a huge fan of magnetic drain plugs. They can help keep things from circulating through your oil that you don’t want hanging around.
@FrankPeters check to make sure the gear is still in proper placement with no play (gear held in place by allen screw). you should be able to visually see any wear on bearings and race.
Just curious, Why are you changing the oil on the great box so often? I don’t use gear boxes because of their failure issues, but engines are every 100 hours and pumps are every 5000 hours. 4 changes in 200 hours seems like a lot.
I had similar issue with a gearbox. I didn’t install the spacers and the shaft eventually punched through box. It started making sounds and shavings in oil then got louder before a complete fail.
I’m totally curious, what is the HP and GPM of this rig?? I recently stumbled into your 37hp Kohler thread but that one had a poly chain, which is a mighty wicked build by the way! I hope it’s still going strong.
