Inadvertent hydraulic fluid swap at 50 hrs

[RSR]

I was doing the 50 hr service on filters today on my XR4145HC.

I got the oil swapped no problem (other than crushing it getting it off because it was tightened by a gorilla).

The HST filter was ok. I practiced getting it off and the new one on quickly, and only lost about 1/2 cup.

Feeling proud, I moved on to the hydraulic filter. I got it off, tried to out on the new one ... no luck. The new Hydraulic oil filter (genuine LS part) is about 3/4 in longer than the one that came off. The hydraulic lines are up tight enough that there is not clearance to get the new one on!!!!

I put the old one back on to dam the flow. Rethought it, tried again, still no luck. At this point I had lost a good 2-3 gallons and punted and decided to just drain everything so I can get under it and try to find room without taking a shower in oil.

Has anyone else run into this problem.

And now, what should I run for replacement hydraulic oil?

 

[RSR]

I was doing the 50 hr service on filters today on my XR4145HC.

I got the oil swapped no problem (other than crushing it getting it off because it was tightened by a gorilla).

The HST filter was ok. I practiced getting it off and the new one on quickly, and only lost about 1/2 cup.

Feeling proud, I moved on to the hydraulic filter. I got it off, tried to out on the new one ... no luck. The new Hydraulic oil filter (genuine LS part) is about 3/4 in longer than the one that came off. The hydraulic lines are up tight enough that there is not clearance to get the new one on!!!!

I put the old one back on to dam the flow. Rethought it, tried again, still no luck. At this point I had lost a good 2-3 gallons and punted and decided to just drain everything so I can get under it and try to find room without taking a shower in oil.

Has anyone else run into this problem.

And now, what should I run for replacement hydraulic oil?

I figured out my own answer. The new Hydraulic filter was about 3/4" longer. However, in addition, when I took the old filter off, upon closer inspection, the rubber gasket got left behind. Consequently, I couldn't get the new filter on. In the mess of oil dumping everywhere while trying to make a quick change I missed that. Only after draining everything and looking at the old filter closer did I notice that. Not a cheap mistake.

 

[Underdog57]

Next time pull the dip stick out and have a helper stick a shop vac hose where the dip stick goes and it will keep any oil from spilling. I bought a little cone shaped fitting for the shop vac hose and it works great!

 

[RSR]

Next time pull the dip stick out and have a helper stick a shop vac hose where the dip stick goes and it will keep any oil from spilling. I bought a little cone shaped fitting for the shop vac hose and it works great!

That's a great tip. It would have been helpful about 10 hours ago.

 

[s219]

What has always worked for me is one or both of these two tricks:

1) plug the breather vent -- usually on my Kubotas it's a U-shaped rubber nipple (like a cane handle) and I can stick a nail in the hole.

2) park on an incline, or blocks, to put the filter on the uphill side of the reservoir.

Never lost much fluid, even one time when I had to destroy a filter to get it off and it took 15-20 minutes with many holes in the filter.

I have had so many unexpected things go wrong with filter changes that sometimes you just have to wave the white flag and accept it has turned into a **** show.

 

[RSR]

I have had so many unexpected things go wrong with filter changes that sometimes you just have to wave the white flag and accept it has turned into a **** show.

LOL! That is the EXACT language I used when my wife stuck her head into the garage and asked, "how's it going?", as I was elbow deep in hydraulic fluid.

 

[Deere Dude]

That's the first I ever heard of anyone changing the filter without changing all the oil. Haven't been on the farm long enough I guess.

 

[Rsking]

Next time pull the dip stick out and have a helper stick a shop vac hose where the dip stick goes and it will keep any oil from spilling. I bought a little cone shaped fitting for the shop vac hose and it works great!

This sounds a little suspect to me, what if you inadvertently suck up all the oil?

That's the first I ever heard of anyone changing the filter without changing all the oil. Haven't been on the farm long enough I guess.

On this model of tractor the service recommendation at 50 hours is to specifically change the filters, but not the oil... every change after that involves the typical oil and filter replacement, IIRC

RSR, I did the exact same thing when I changed my filter. I was not amused at being prepared to change filters and NOT AT ALL prepared for dumping basically all my hydro fluid. Live and learn I guess. But shouldn't be the same circumstance next time, right? Fluid change with oil filter changes from now on?

 

[Underdog57]

This sounds a little suspect to me, what if you inadvertently suck up all the oil?


On this model of tractor the service recommendation at 50 hours is to specifically change the filters, but not the oil... every change after that involves the typical oil and filter replacement, IIRC

RSR, I did the exact same thing when I changed my filter. I was not amused at being prepared to change filters and NOT AT ALL prepared for dumping basically all my hydro fluid. Live and learn I guess. But shouldn't be the same circumstance next time, right? Fluid change with oil filter changes from now on?

It works as long as the hose fitting is NOT contacting the oil! I've done it 3 times now.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Yes, I was skeptical about using the shop vac trick, but works like a charm every time! Maybe a drop or two leaks, but I think it is from the filter and not the tractor! I just used some duct tape to hold the hose to the fill port.