No, you did not make a fatal mistake.

First, there is a wide variety of thread-locking compounds, with a variety of characteristics. Some work under more heat, some are easier to remove the bolt later on, some also seal against leaking, as well as other things, as well as combinations of things.

Second, go out there and look. If it's leaking (which is probably unlikely), then pull the plug out (yes, some oil will come out, just fill it up again afterwards) and put some sealant on the threads. But, more likely, you should put thread-locker on those parts so they don't come loose while using the tractor. You can choose to either remove them now, put on some thread locker, then reinstall, or check that they haven't come loose on a regular basis (perhaps every 30 minutes or so when you first use the tractor, then less frequently).

And if/when you put on sealant or threadlocker, you want to follow the directions for applying it that are on it's packaging. It typically will include making sure both parts are clean...

 

Dave,
I am relieved that my stupidity did not cause a catastrophy. Thank you for all the background information on the thread locking compound. I have so much to learn and appreciate any advice. I did check the oil filter connection and drain plug and found no leaks. It has been sitting since early winter. I think I will wait to pull out the plug until I change the oil. I always change filter and grease everything with oil changes.
I will check for loosening every 30 minutes as you suggested for the first few times on the mower. Thanks again for your advice.

 

Welcome to MTF! Don’t hesitate to come back with any additional questions. You’ll get plenty of help from the folks here.

 

Thanks so much. I will certainly do that.

 

if it's not leaking your probably fine until next oil change! then clean it up and apply thread locker! if it's leaking I would drain the oil into a clean container, apply threadlocker to cleaned surfaces and put oil back in!
do you have a part number for the kit? I'm interested in seeing what parts are used and why thread locker is needed or if thread sealant is all that's necessary!

 

I agree with Donmac. If you aren't leaking, you're probably OK. Did the instructions specifically say to use threadlock or thread sealant?

PLEASE understand that there is a difference between thread sealant and thread locker. Also PLEASE understand that there are different thread lockers. I am relatively certain that you DO NOT want high strength threadlocker.

 

I did not get instructions...my mistake, I guess because I just bought individual parts.
I followed a utube video and the fellow used "blue" locktite on the fittings. I forgot that part!
I do not plan to disassemble it unless it loosens or starts leaking.
I will at that point have to determine what the blue threadlock is. Hope not high strength.
Thanks for the imput.it

 

Donmac
Thanks, that is a good idea to drain the clean oil and not throw away. So far it is not leaking.
The conversion kit part # is AUC 12916 -kit. Saw it at the Green Parts Store online. The kit contains 2 qts of JD oil, the oil filter (part # AM12542), a threaded nipple ( part # MIU 13767) for the filter to fit on and the drain pipe assembly (Part # 131611).
I did not buy the kit but got
the separate conversion parts listed above without the oil.
You may be correct about the locktite being unnecessary. I just got the thought that it was from the utube video.
Thank you for the reply.

 

Blue is the kind that holds pretty darn well but can still be removed if/when necessary.