2305 Trans Fluid???

287IN10thMTN · May 14, 2013

I have had my 2305 for three years and have mmm, front blade, snowblower and recently picked up a used FEL.. the loader had been sitting outside and I had to replace 2 of the quick connects and some of the o-rings... other than that it is in great shape.. I attached the loader, greased all the zerks and needed to add some trans/hydro fluid when I attached the FEL.. I then checked my sight glass after I had worked the machine with the loader and noticed a slight discoloration at the top of the fluid in the sight glass... at closer examination the discoloration appeared to be tiny bubbles, giving it almost a milky appearance... so i walked away for a little while, came back and the sight glass then looked normal and the bubbles were gone?? Is this normal? Is this just because I put the loader on and there some air in the system? did water somehow get into the loader hydro system and it's contaminated my fluids? My first thought was that water somehow got into the system, but I would think that i'd still have some discoloration after the machine sat? i'm now leaning toward air and haven't called my local service guy... any ideas or similiar issues

-the 2305 is garaged/shed year round
-i use all JD fluids on my machines

XSKIER · May 15, 2013

Anything could have happened to that loader in its previous life. If his 2305 dumped a pump, it could have filled the loader with metal shards, or water, or air, or worse! When buying a "new" implement, it's always best to flush it with fresh HyGard. Now you get to do the whole system, but it probably needs it anyway.

287IN10thMTN · May 15, 2013

Xskier,

Thx for the reply... I have the manual and can figure out how to do the trans, but how do you drawn all the fluids from the loader.. I want to make sure all the fluids are drained and flushed prior to putting new fluid in.. Any and all help appreciated... Thx

Your right though, I'm coming up on the 200 hr mark and should probably do it anyway

Wvanatti · May 16, 2013

My guess is you have water mixed with hydraulic fluid. I was trained on hydraulics in the military but certainly not an expert. Also flew airplanes for 25years, anytime water got into the sister it made the hydraulic fluid discolored. If you look down the fill cap - my guess it will look all frothy like a milk shake. Hope this helps. Bill V

Willl · May 16, 2013

If it was water the white color wouldn't disappear just from sitting.

I would continue running and watch it. Could be nothing.

Wvanatti · May 16, 2013

Water and oil don't mix- they will separate after sitting. My intent was to not imply- just provoke thought, and help another owner if possible.

Willl · May 16, 2013

My reply was to the OP.

Wvanatti · May 17, 2013

Willl said:
My reply was to the OP.

That reply wasn't meant toward you- guy wrote rude comment for some reason - either he removed it or administrator did. Bill

thatguy · May 18, 2013

On my 2320 I had the same bubbles appear right after shutting it down - I asked the dealer about it and they said it was just that 'bubbles', not water..

BUT since you bought a used FEL - I would change the oil and filter just to be safe..

Brian