Oil & Fuel Foamy Hydralic fluid

NH Kubota · Sep 4, 2018

Hi,

Long time lurker first time poster..

Went to check the hydraulic fluid yesterday and it was foamy and the tractor (BX2370) has seemed a little whinier than normal lately. I want to change out the fluid/ filter and am wondering if I should reattach the loader arms (I take them off in the summer as it is easier to mow w/out them)? Thanks.

repete · Sep 4, 2018

How long do you let it sit before checking the hydraulic fluid level. To me, foamy fluid usually indicates air in the system.

diesel85 · Sep 4, 2018

x2

Make sure you have the correct fluid levels.

Gale Hawkins · Sep 4, 2018

Was the fluid level low?

The Fred · Sep 4, 2018

Could also be an air leak on the input side of the pump.

Regards

NH Kubota · Sep 4, 2018

Gale Hawkins said:
Was the fluid level low?

No, seemed fine when cold, Maybe a bit cloudy though.

NH Kubota · Sep 4, 2018

The Fred said:
Could also be an air leak on the input side of the pump.

Regards

How do I know the input side? Sorry.

Gale Hawkins · Sep 4, 2018

NH Kubota said:
No, seemed fine when cold, Maybe a bit cloudy though.

The louder whining sound is a major red flag in my view. Working my backhoe for 8 hours straight helps vs using it 8 hours over a year which is sometimes the case. 200F operating temps will boil off the normal water build up that forms from internal sweating. Are you OK with changing out to non cloudy fluid? Does it set out in the rain from time to time and if so look at rubber boots, etc.

In the process of rebuilding the 70 year old Model B Allis Chalmers I am amazed how rust has deeply pitted the oil pan on the inside. Contaminated oil is bad for most types of metals due to the etching process of acid that can form. I am sure the crankcase was never left empty. Due to sleeve O-ring failure the first thing that came out of the oil pan was a gallon or two of antifreeze that contained Liquid Glass stop leak.

I know your problem is not with the engine oil but the acid and metal reaction can happen any place where any type of oil is used. Often it is the lack of use or low operating temps that takes out tractors. The B even had the thermostat removed for some reason in the past 70 years. Old antifreeze can become an acid bath in cooling systems as well.

It is good you are looking at your tractor fluids with a critical eye and ear.

NH Kubota · Sep 4, 2018

Gale Hawkins said:
The louder whining sound is a major red flag in my view. Working my backhoe for 8 hours straight helps vs using it 8 hours over a year which is sometimes the case. 200F operating temps will boil off the normal water build up that forms from internal sweating. Are you OK with changing out to non cloudy fluid? Does it set out in the rain from time to time and if so look at rubber boots, etc.

In the process of rebuilding the 70 year old Model B Allis Chalmers I am amazed how rust has deeply pitted the oil pan on the inside. Contaminated oil is bad for most types of metals due to the etching process of acid that can form. I am sure the crankcase was never left empty. Due to sleeve O-ring failure the first thing that came out of the oil pan was a gallon or two of antifreeze that contained Liquid Glass stop leak.

I know your problem is not with the engine oil but the acid and metal reaction can happen any place where any type of oil is used. Often it is the lack of use or low operating temps that takes out tractors. The B even had the thermostat removed for some reason in the past 70 years. Old antifreeze can become an acid bath in cooling systems as well.

It is good you are looking at your tractor fluids with a critical eye and ear.

Thanks for your input. I looked tonight and there is alot less oil in the arms than I was thinking, so no need to put them on. I run at least at 2500 rpms so gets warm. Always covered. Coming up on 200 hours so think will have the dealer come get her and change hydraulic/ engine oil and filters along with both fuel filters and adjust the accerator pedal linkage. I just want her to run right lol.