Another hydraulic oil thread

[JasonW]

Replaced the battery in my MX5100DT today, while running it I noticed the sight glass for the hydraulic oil is milky.
So I’m going to have to drain and fill at least once if not twice. I’d rather not use UDT2 that’s $140 per 5 gal just do dump it back out. Mine holds 12 gallons.

What about using TSC premium fluid at $65 per 5 gal?

Once cleared up it would be refilled with UDT2. Thoughts?

 

[TheOldHokie]

Replaced the battery in my MX5100DT today, while running it I noticed the sight glass for the hydraulic oil is milky.
So I’m going to have to drain and fill at least once if not twice. I’d rather not use UDT2 that’s $140 per 5 gal just do dump it back out. Mine holds 12 gallons.

What about using TSC premium fluid at $65 per 5 gal?

Once cleared up it would be refilled with UDT2. Thoughts?

Absolutely fine.

Dan

 

[fried1765]

Replaced the battery in my MX5100DT today, while running it I noticed the sight glass for the hydraulic oil is milky.
So I’m going to have to drain and fill at least once if not twice. I’d rather not use UDT2 that’s $140 per 5 gal just do dump it back out. Mine holds 12 gallons.

What about using TSC premium fluid at $65 per 5 gal?

Once cleared up it would be refilled with UDT2. Thoughts?

IMHO that is a very reasonable plan!

 

[D2Cat]

Any idea of how the moisture got into the system? Just condensation?

You could make sure everything is clean under the tractor and drain the fluid into a tub (I use a plastic container protein for cattle comes in. It actually holds about 20 gal. but I cut the top off to make it easier to get under the tractor). Cover the tub with cardboard and let it set for a day. The water will separate, oil on top. I use one of those red Folgers plastic coffee container (with the finger grip) to bail out the oil and reuse it. Just be gentle and don't stir up the bottom.

 

[JasonW]

Any idea of how the moisture got into the system? Just condensation?

Could be just condensation, just never seen it that milky before. Definitely from lack of use and/or short run times.

The sight glass completely cleared up after about 10 min from shutting down.

I’ll let everything settle and drain some off each drain plug to inspect then go from there.

 

[BAP]

You sure that it is milky from water and not air bubbles from some sort of air leak into the hydraulic system?

 

[JasonW]

Here’s a before and after. Although more cloudy than milky.

 

[Russell King]

Looks like air in the fluid.

The fluid would not clear up very quickly if it was water (in my opinion and experience)

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Second the air and not water.
I would drain it into a clean containers, if it has water in it the water will be the first out of the drain, followed by fluid.

Now if it is just air as I suspect, then I would be looking for a leak on the suction side of the hydraulic system.

 

[BAP]

I would definitely lean towards air not water.

 

[JasonW]

Haven’t drained any yet as it’s still raining here.

Following the air intrusion, on the suction side it’s hard piped to the filter base with a short rubber hose connecting to the pump. Hose is still flexible and no fluid leaks anywhere.

 

[JasonW]

Update. Drained some fluid from each drain port, completely clear no water. New filter and topped off seemed to clear it up.