Draining old fluid from used implement

[Doc_Bob]

My "new" snowblower was of course a used snowblower. My hydraulic sump is 12 gallons, but I still did not want to mix the unknown "foreign" oil from the hydraulic chute pump into my common sump. I came up with a solution.

I hooked up one hydraulic line to one of the two toplink lines, then "purged" the system. I operated the toplink until clear, clean fluid passed from my sump into the chute pump, and out the free unattached hydraulic line. After a few squirts, pump and lines purged of all old fluid. Then I connected the free line and the chute worked fine. The result was not having any old unknown oil in my sump. Probably not a big deal, but TBN has encouraged me to sweat the details.

Bob

 

[JJT]

Good job, I would have done the same. For that reason I refuse to rent hydraulic implements, (like a Harley rake), I don't want unknown hydro fluid running through my machine.

 

[Doc_Bob]

Good job, I would have done the same. For that reason I refuse to rent hydraulic implements, (like a Harley rake), I don't want unknown hydro fluid running through my machine.

Thanks. I was told by some not to worry. They are probably right that the amount was miniscule. But, I figured out a way to drain the fluid and avoid all questions about how much contamination with the wrong oil was tolerable. And since I own it now, no further need to drain fluid. Also, helped clean any other "stuff" that might have been in the lines.
Bob

 

[sandman2234]

Guess I should consider this when i go to hook up that overgrown cylinder I dragged home the other day...
Thanks,
David from jax

 

[3RRL]

Probably not a big deal, but TBN has encouraged me to sweat the details.

Bob

Isn't that the truth! I never cared so much for my other equipment as when I joined TBN. Some tractors need more TLC than others. But it is a good thing and has carried over to other stuff. Now, I regularly rotate the lug nuts on my golf cart.

 

[Doc_Bob]

. Now, I regularly rotate the lug nuts on my golf cart.

Okay, I will bite, why ?
Bob

 

[PineRidge]

Okay, I will bite, why ?
Bob

Bob just a guess but I would say 3RRL is pulling your leg a bit on the lug nuts....

 

[john_bud]

Thanks. I was told by some not to worry. They are probably right that the amount was miniscule. But, I figured out a way to drain the fluid and avoid all questions about how much contamination with the wrong oil was tolerable. And since I own it now, no further need to drain fluid. Also, helped clean any other "stuff" that might have been in the lines.
Bob

Bob,
I think you did the right thing. After all, you were able to tell when your tractor's clean oil came out, so the implement must have had unclean oil in it. What was it contaminated with? Were there metal shavings or chips in it? Water? Dirt? Was it overheated and broken down? Was the viscosity the same as your tractor needs? The point is, you don't know~! For the very small amount of time you spent on it, how can you go wrong?

jb

 

[Doc_Bob]

Bob,
I think you did the right thing. After all, you were able to tell when your tractor's clean oil came out, so the implement must have had unclean oil in it. What was it contaminated with? Were there metal shavings or chips in it? Water? Dirt? Was it overheated and broken down? Was the viscosity the same as your tractor needs? The point is, you don't know~! For the very small amount of time you spent on it, how can you go wrong?

jb

Opaque and white (water??)
Bob

 

[john_bud]

Yep, that would be water. You definitely did the right thing two ways. Water in the blower could freeze and not be operable when you need it and water in your transmission can do some real nasty things. Rusting the sensitive hydraulic controls inside as well as the clutches.

The question is where did the water originate? Leak into the previous owners tractor or into the snow blower? You may want to keep an eye on the quality of the fluid in your tractor as you use the blower. Check the various seals on the unit to see if any are leaking.

jb