Combines gearbox on a 21xx combinesIJIJ

I had the same problem on my 2144 and the dipstick actually rusted off. I ended up removing the fill tube from the gearbox and cleaning it up. After a new dipstick and a refill with clean oil I don't have any answer but to keep running and keep an eye on it.

I changed the dipstick on my 2166 because it was almost rusted in two. I have changed the oil in that gearbox every year and still always have moisture in it. My dealer says that all the gearboxes they see have moisture in them but have not had a problem with that gearbox. If there is any solution I would like to here it. I changed to synthetic gear lube because the oil smell right by the cab filter was enough give me a headache sitting in the cab. The factory rep said synthetic oil would run cooler and probably not have the smell. If it was running that warm before why wasn't the moisture evaporated and expelled. If I understand right the dipstick is the breather so maybe it is not doing it's job.

We have the same problem, 2188 dipstick was rusted off when we got it. We change oil as recommended and put new dipstick in and it still rusts. Put 1000 more hours on it and no problems with gear box other than rust on stick.

That is the same thing that i have om our 2188.I have changed the dipstick once and installed a breather by the fill tube three years ago to stop this.This year i still have the same problem with the dipstick so i took the filltube off to see what is going on.The fill tube is rusted out from the inside out from moisture at the first bend.The moisture is from the oil temp changing from cold_hot,hot_cold(will always happen with any oil or gearbox) and it can not get out from that long tube.I am going to try to weld a breather at the first corner and by the top of tube where you fill it so the moisture can get out. Guys look at that fill tube at the first bend form gearbox you will not believe the rust inside. Thanks for your input The Kid

I put a baloon over the dipstick tube. It keeps the same air inside so that no new moist air gets sucked in when the machine is not running. No new rust.

The balloon would work. The new dipsticks are galvanized to prevent them from rusting off and got a service bulletin from my dealer that gave instructions on installing a breather in the gearbox top cover. I can't remember which corner. I also replaced the tube since it was full of rust. Started to change the oil more frequently than the manual recommended and seemed to fix the problem.

This Combine Talk Show is great. I learn more here than any combine meeting! I was blissfully working on our 2188 and remembered this dicussion about gearboxes. Our dipstick was just about rusted in two. Thanks for the great save!! Now our dealership parts guy had regular dipsticks, NOT Galvanized. Is there a part number for the new galvanized dipstickIJ I would like a little clarification. Thank You!! Brian

Found the info, I need to correct myself. The dipstick was not galvanized it is "dichromate coated" the partn 122153A3 NOTE: this is a vented dipstick for use on gearboxes without vents in them. The non-vented dipstick partn 336513A1. If any one installs the vent in the top of the gearbox make sure you change to a non-vented version dipstick or you will rust the tube again. Don't install the non-vented on a gearbox without a vent either. Part numbers may have been updated as notice copy I have was printed in 2000. Hope this helps.

The vented dipstick will still rust out at first bend in tube.I welded a vent at the top of the tube three years ago and the dipstick still has the same problem.The tube needs a vent close to the gearbox(the heat) to make it work better.I now have a vent at first corner and at the fill on tube. Tip beak the old dipstick at the top and use it for harvesting and use new dipstick only for checking level(that way it will never rust agian) The Kid

Thank you for the part numbers. The partsman at the dealership kinda looked at me funny when I talked about the updated gearcase distick. Of course when you mention that you read one the internet that..... They get this glazed over look. THE KID's idea is a good one. I broke the old dipstick and used it as a cover for the tube as a tempoary fix. Maybe we'll make that a permanent fix!!! Thank You very Much. Brian