Plastic automatic transmission "my thoughts"

So a lot of questions on these new Plastic transmissions. Maybe I can answer some

[@bustersdad6900]

I replaced my seals and took your advice by using spacers and washers, so far it works perfectly. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

Happy it worked out for you Jodi

[@clauslundberg9224]

There's no way I'm not plain stealing that upgrade. Thanks for sharing Dave - you're the man!

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

That's why I let you guys know what to do so steal away brother😁

[@BrucesShop]

I can't believe the Husqvarna would be a plastic one. That drive does look like the old MTD belt drive I had. The angled pulley's provide the gearing. Great fix on that axle slack. A home made thrust washer.

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

Yes kind of the same concept as the old MTDs were. I think it would be a great system if they just fix a couple flaws. Thanks Bruce

[@applesauce1680]

I just ordered new seals and now I see this and will find some spacers, pipe and washers before replacing them, maybe add the new filler hole too. Mine only started leaking this season, hopefully with these tips it'll last much longer than the planed obsolesce design. Thanx

[@CraigAdkins-mh3qy]

I had it in and out 24 times before I figured out it was a weak spring dimensions was correct but just wasn't enough to fully engage it now yr later I've put it thru hell and love it

[@markrenfroe8677]

It is designed to have axle grease in the general transmission rs800. All the gease is for is to quieten the gears.

[@benjurqunov]

On the axelshaft I clamped on a shaft collar. A large nylon washer then a felt washer gently rides against the seal. What little oil weeps out keeps the felt and nylon washers lubricated. At 250 hours, It’s been a good transmission otherwise. I’ll swap to ’hydrostatic if it ever craps out.

[@markjohnson7508]

I replaced the seals and cut out polymer plates and affixed them w small machine screws into drilled n tapped holes. Seals come out n grease oil does too Then gears fail. Not too bad trans

[@jamesskelton2128]

I did the same thing when my seals went out and changed the seals

[@markjohnson7508]

They aren't plastic. They are polymerized glass.

[@shawnpowell4951]

Thank you somebody that’s willing to teach and keep the bitching down. Thank you.

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

You're welcome Shawn, I can't believe this video has 14k views and have been taken to task on a few things I've said. It's been 4 years since I've made this video and my views have changed about this trans and apparently they have stopped making them because of all the problems, take care

[@samuelkirk6074]

I just purchase a hand gun and it is made of a polymer. A plastic pistol! Works fine and i like the feel. I will see how long my craftsman transmission that is plastic. My tractor is a 2014 and I pull a cart that is very heavy. I keep the tractor clean. I worked on tractors for 15 years after I had retired from a government job. What people do to there equipment is discussing and what they never do. Maintenance is the key to keeping tout equipment for a long time. Some people are poison to equipment. When I see video of transmission destruction I think it has more to do with the owner! How do I get 4 years of problem free results when people can't ger a year out of it. People say Craftsman tractors are junk. My last craftsman lasted me 21 years cutting and pulling a cart.

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

You are very right about maintenance, it's not just lawn equipment either, people do not do proper maintenance on their cars and trucks and then call it junk when it breaks down. I'll never know how people pay so much money for something and don't take care of it. Polymer gun eh??? It must have a metal inner barrel I'm guessing

[@doublewide6]

Can't believe there is that much play side to side. I'm thinking something is wrong internally to let that slide that far (set screw loose)?

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

Right. I think a clip or some kind of stop is broken and I'm pretty sure these things are glued together so there's no getting inside to fix it

[@brianandrews7099]

I have not dealt with one of these transmissions nor have I looked at a diagram, but it would seem as if the spacer and washers you installed might have originally been there but were missing? Most of the old aluminum cased transaxles had similar spacers at the wheels. Maybe they moved from washers/spacers to just a clip to save money, though? Glad to hear that your opinion of the plastic transmission is mostly favorable.

[@larrylynch8040]

Do you know what size washer that you used on the axle

[@stoneyswolf]

I'd be so pissed off I found out my new mower had a plastic transmission. Good transmissions are cheap if you take your time and look around. I upgraded my tow mower with a k62 and it only cost me 150 bucks. My mower I upgraded from a k46 to a k66 for only 240 bucks. If I decide to sell my k46 with only 10 hours on it it'll all be free with money to spare in my pocket.

[@AOH39]

I had the same axle leakage issue, replaced the seals, have ran it all summer with no new leaks. So I was researching how to add the same kind of drain plug, BUT I’ve never taped one before and it being plastic I need some directions. Is it a threaded tap? Or can I slowly drill a hole and add a rubber plug. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

I just drilled a hole and put gasket sealer around the bolt and screwed it in. I made the just big enough for the bolt to make its own threads

[@Outsider517origin]

Well that's good to see I'm not alone in the transmission play mine is half an inch, now with even doing the same washers and pieces of pipes, it's still leaking, did yours continue to leak? And what kind of fluid you put back in it?, I have to do that part next.

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

I can't remember if I said so in the video but I put in New axle seals also then I had to drill a hole in the highest point of the trans and just put in hydro fluid. I fix repairables and sell them so this one wasn't my personal mower. This trans was beyond repair even though I tried. I have 2 videos I just made on switching out this plastic POS and putting in a tuff torq hydro which works great. In order to do that you need to find a good parts mower with the hydro in it

[@robertgarcia2992]

Hey Dave thanks for the video i really helped me fix my mower. What kind of hydro fluid did you use and did the mower work good after you topped it off?

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

Hi Robert. I used 20-50 oil which is what I usually use in my hydros but I do not know what this trans is supposed to use. I think this trans was to far gone by the time I got it

[@tonibaggett9301]

watch the general trans video. they take grease only . they are greased for life. no fluid. the factory says if you replace the seals dont worry. it cant lose enough grease to damage it. no serviceable parts inside. whole thing has to be replaced.

[@Thomas-ul3uy]

@@tonibaggett9301 These use some dry based grease. The specs on the transmission was pretty good, can handle a 400lb vertical load and then it can pull higher than that. I was trying to look up specifications again, but can't find them. I was skeptical at first on these transmissions, but I have repaired 2 of them, external repairs is all they needed and worked great. They are a fast transmission also.

[@GoBart454]

Hydro oil??not sure about that. GT RS800 (plastic) use grease pumped in.

[@Mike-su8si]

I don't like that now it could get damaged easier and probably has 3 belts that would need replaced later on I see it's got that back transmission drive belt cover and is missing the plastic fan though I don't think those really do much good anyways

[@Gideon_Judges6]

Great video! Few questions. On the Husqvarna the fuel tank is in the way of the top of trans. Did you drop it here? Do you remember what size washers you bought? The manufacturer says this is heavy grease. If so, they ought to put a zerk fitting somewhere to top it off.

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

Tank was up front so I didn't have to remove it. Had the washers on hand don't remember size. No way to put grease or anything in it , it's supposed to be non serviceable

[@Gideon_Judges6]

@@davessmallenginerevival2847 yeah they kinda made it to slowly weep out and then fail didn't they? Shame. I have some big washers but let me see if I have 4 matching ones. Thanks for the quick reply!

[@johnrazor8720]

Why would they leave so much play in that axle? There has to be a reason don’t you think? Haven’t seen inside them but something has to be attached to it (the axle) and how can it be allowed to move up to one inch side to side?

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

Hi John my guess is it didn't leave the factory with that much play. They're is Probably a clip or something broke or a stop of some sort. These transmissions are glued together so there is no fixing that

[@Mike-su8si]

From missing those spacers on the axle I know on older mowers will have two different size spacers on each side so whoever last took those tires off forgot to put those back on. Then if his whole axle on one side is slipping out its gonna come off the gears inside and he'll have to push or hammer it back in place then take off the clip that holds the tire on and put a few more washers on and the clip back on to help keep it in place

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

If a tractor doesn't have a K46 or higher Transmission I won't even look at it

[@jimmycarter9099]

It’s a no brainer fix up a older mower

[@nuancolar7304]

It's truly amazing how poorly designed and built some models are, even brands that have - in the past - been associated with better quality. These companies are out for the quick buck, and they are willing to give us less for a higher price.

[@jamieolson20]

What year did craftsman start using these plastic transaxles?..I have a 6 speed craftsman dlt3000 2004 model w aluminum transaxle. I'm looking to upgrade w my stimulus check for a newer craftsman but would prefer not to go w this new plastic trans. Thanks if u have any info.

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

2012 to 18 ???? Something like that. I think they stopped using them but I'm not positive

[@jamieolson20]

@@davessmallenginerevival2847 tyvm!

[@billsimpson604]

I bought one in 2008 or 2009, and it has a plastic transmission. I just ordered new seals, since a few drops of oil from the grease they put in it at the factory, are beginning to work their way out around the axles. It is working okay so far, but only has a few hundred hours on it.

[@Thomas-ul3uy]

They aren't bad transmissions. They can take a 400lb vertical load and rating to pull more than that, I have repaired 2 and those were external repairs that were quick, easy and worked like new. They have a stigma, because of case being plastic, it isn't plastic, but a strong composite. They aren't on every Craftsman, John Deere or Husqvarna.

[@firstvette8210]

CHEAP mounts (angle w/ 2 bolts, one on ea. side) crack under the strain (may want to reinforce with angle IRON (not steel) that is 4-5X's longer w/more bolts to the housing (axle mounting holes are fine, it's the housing that flexes).

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

This one didn't have a problem with that

[@Thomas-ul3uy]

These transmissions have a vertical load rating of 400lbs and rated to pull more than that. I haven't had the frame mounts on any AYP mower break. Maybe ones that break are dropped off of trucks, trailers or operator hits holes with rear wheels. These transmissions are easy to operate, maintain and repair.

[@MrUbiquitousTech]

I said it before, sure I'll say it again; engineers & plastic.....

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

Yup. Its not about quality anymore

[@MrUbiquitousTech]

@@davessmallenginerevival2847 I'll most likely be running rusty junk to the day I die. At least it will last that long.

[@99shadows66]

These transmissions are made of plastic, toys are made of plastic. These transmissions belong in toys, not lawn equipment!

[@ANDERSONEXPRESS7]

Best solution by a snapper from the 1980s the snapper rear engine rider Forrest Gump was doing it right

[@mr.astrophysics9115]

I have a 2021 Craftsman T240 Turn Tight tractor built like a little tank Kohler 7000 series 22 horsepower 725cc V Twin engine steel hood Tuff Torq K46 transmission no plastic at all powered coated steel gears dry weight 630 pounds..the engine is designed after the Kohler command commercial pro engine came with a 3 year unlimited hours warranty best $3,000 I ever spent on a tractor..I looked at Husqvarna John deere and Troy built..the very obvious choice was the Craftsman T240 Turn Tight tractor over the others

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

They discontinued these plastic ones years ago. I replaced this one with a used tuff torq and sold it

[@mr.astrophysics9115]

@@davessmallenginerevival2847 John deere just recently got rid of the plastic transmissions in 2021 correct me if wrong..

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

@Mr. constitutional Carry could be. I thought 2019 but that could have been just craftsman

[@flatstheflounder9874]

I have a 2021 craftsman T240 Lawn/Garden Tractor with a Tuff Torq K46 heavy duty transmission can't believe some actually use plastic

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

I believe they stopped using them a few years ago. Some JDs did have them

[@miketohal4954]

It takes 00 grease

[@SH-qu5rt]

Has anyone had the issue of this transmission not switching forward to reverse? I have a Poulan Pro with this same transmission. It doesn't seem to have full forward speed, pressing on the pedal you get some motion and will pick up some speed but not fast. It will not shift forward to reverse in order to get it into reverse you need to partially step on the break and literally slam on the reverse pedal. To get it back into forward you need to bounce/ slam tap on the forward pedal. Just slamming on the pedal you would pop a wheelie. Obviously something went wrong in the unit and it no longer easily goes from forward to reverse. I have owned this unit since new and have never hit anything or otherwise damaged the transmission that I know of it just started shifting harder as time went on

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

Have you checked the belt? And the belt pulleys?

[@SH-qu5rt]

@@davessmallenginerevival2847 I actually found a video from the transaxle manufacturer that describes the exact symptoms I am having. It turns out this is a very common problem due to dirt /debre build up under the pully. The fix is to remove the 4 screws holding the assembly down and clean out the grass and leave build up under the assembly. Once reinstalled the mower will shift from forward to reverse and stop when the pedal is released. Apparently it's a poor design from the manufacturer witch would make since because I pressure washed the area last season and it improved but without removing and cleaning under the pully will not completely fix the problem

[@99shadows66]

You should clean under the rear pulley. Use compressed air to blow as much debris out as possible after every use. This is a General Transmission RS800, They are mostly plastic transmissions with high failure rates. Don't force the pedals or fender shifter (if you have this design) as that will crack the plastic cams and mechanisms and ruin the unit. Cleaning the unit as best as possible after every use helps extend the life of this CVT. General Transmission sells a kit to reduce debris buildup. (I think they should be sending the kit out for free to any person that owns one of these CVT's.

[@Thomas-ul3uy]

@@SH-qu5rt I have repaired 2 and this was the case. One, the previous owner's kid had stomped the reverse pedal and broke the shift cam. Replaced and good as new.

[@Dstromb232]

It takes grease.

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

I don't care anymore about these piles of crap plastic trans junk

[@rsw9480]

Those Transmissions are filled with a grease and not ever intended to have oil in them ,They advertise as NON Serviceable????

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

So what. You can make something serviceable if you have the know how. Plus how come it was throwing oil all over the place because the axle seals were bad ???? Oh that's right because it doesn't have grease it has oil

[@firstvette8210]

Dealers are telling customers the 'Grease' packing is a known defect (packed way too much grease into the axle) so it has to be drained and a new seals kit installed to the unwarrantied price of $2-300.oo). By 'Grease' they mean Transaxle Lube (which has the consistency of thick oil). But the real culprit is the cheap mounting plates above the axle shafts, flexing of the mounting surfaces, and the sid-to-side play in the axle shafts (L/R). I like Dave's fix.

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

@@firstvette8210 I acually took this piece of crap out and put a hydrostatic trans in from a doner craftsman

[@jamesskelton2128]

I called the company and they have 5 weight oil in them

[@NewRoofcom]

@@davessmallenginerevival2847 where is your shop?

[@jimmycarter9099]

I am not buying this crap period

[@philliphall5198]

There junk and it’s a fact you’ll screwed if you got one and it is plastic type material

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

What is your fucking problem dude??? You comment in my videos with an attitude and I'm getting sick of it. Do you know what it takes for us to put out video content??? No of course you dont. Go piss off someone else

[@HEHE-dx9og]

You should not have to modify anything new. It`s junk simple as that. Don`t modify it and then try to tell me how great it is now. Plastic is for toys. Are you a spokes person for the manufacturer? Wow this is awesome!!! Look at all this new high tech space age materials we are using now. It`s garbage bro.

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

Rules say be respectful, so since your not , I'm not. What fucking video did you watch , BRO?! All I said was I like how it works and then pointed out the flaws, which are many. They did discontinue making these as far as I know. Now take your twisted panties off and give them back to your sister, fuckhead!!

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

And another thing. I see you have zero content, which means you like to troll channels. I would say , since you know everything, why don't you make some videos and share your VAST KNOWLEDGE!! BRO!