Hydraulic Fluid: When is it too dirty?
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![[Hearth.com] Hydraulic Fluid: When is it too dirty?](/talk/data/attachments/42/42349-c8997cea899c76efcbe9ac50eee76c2f.jpg?hash=ekhG994X0E)
Simple
When it "is dirty"
Compare it to new. If it looks dirty, it is.
Not that it won't work, but the pump has tight tolerances that have to be tight to put out pressure.
Dirt wears on those tolerances. Plus when cold it will be thicker & cause more work for the engine & pump.
When it "is dirty"
Compare it to new. If it looks dirty, it is.
Not that it won't work, but the pump has tight tolerances that have to be tight to put out pressure.
Dirt wears on those tolerances. Plus when cold it will be thicker & cause more work for the engine & pump.
Thanks that was my feeling also but I always defer such prognoses to the members of this group.
Now, after I drain and replace the filter, whats the best way to get the remaining crud out of the reservoir?
Is there a safe, inexpensive "washing agent" I could run through it or should I not bother.
Now, after I drain and replace the filter, whats the best way to get the remaining crud out of the reservoir?
Is there a safe, inexpensive "washing agent" I could run through it or should I not bother.
HeatsTwice said:
Diesel fuel (well it used to be cheap any way)
enough lubricating properties to run for short periods & then pull the hoses & drain ram & pump.
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That's if you want to . You will get 99% of the old stuff out
by draining the hoses, pump & ram when warm, without running diesel thru it.
With a complete drain and new filter, I am not sure that a diesel wash out is needed. You just got rid of the biggest part.
And the above answer was perfect:
Q: "How do I know when its dirty"
A: When it looks dirty.
And the above answer was perfect:
Q: "How do I know when its dirty"
A: When it looks dirty.
How old is the oil in the pics?
I've seen tractors with 1000 hrs on the hyd oil.
Granted most tractors have coolers but not all do.
Some hydraulic oil looks like that when new.
Some is purple, I have seen green, even saw perfectly clear once.
If its not had water introduced we go by age.
Put your new oil in a small container like you used for the old oil and compare the 2.
Not sayin to not change it, just compare it for your own satifaction and post pics of your comparison.
I've seen tractors with 1000 hrs on the hyd oil.
Granted most tractors have coolers but not all do.
Some hydraulic oil looks like that when new.
Some is purple, I have seen green, even saw perfectly clear once.
If its not had water introduced we go by age.
Put your new oil in a small container like you used for the old oil and compare the 2.
Not sayin to not change it, just compare it for your own satifaction and post pics of your comparison.
To change it, warm the oil up by running and then drain while still warm, filter too. Cylinder will have around a gallon in it to.
If you run diesel through it you will need to drain cylinder and hoses afterward also.
If you run diesel through it you will need to drain cylinder and hoses afterward also.
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