And yet another JD 1050 hydraulic question

[mikedn@cox.net]

I have had on-again, off-again problems with the hydraulics on my JD1050. Honestly, if I didn't have as much invested as I do at this point, I'd probably replace it (which I may end up needing to do anyway) if it wouldn't cost me an arm and a leg.

The problem I am encountering now is my hydraulic fluid is getting contaminated with... something. Not sure what.

I can run the tractor for 5-10 minutes, and the hydraulics will start to slowly stop functioning. Transmission works okay though, I can drive it around the farm all day. But, the loader and bucket will stop working completely within 10 minutes.

When I pull apart the assembly where the hydraulic oil screen is located, I get a thick white-like substance. Almost reminds me of white lithium grease. It completely clogs the oil screen to the point I get zero hydraulic pressure.

I cleaned out the whole assembly once and reassembled, and 10 minutes later it was clogged solid again.

I flushed the whole system out with diesel fuel, reassembled, and 10 minutes later it was clogged again.

I'm out of ideas. I have no idea what is or where it is coming from.

Buddy of mine suggested it may be antifreeze from the engine block getting into the hydraulic oil (in which case, it'll be time to call it a day and part it out I think). I do not know enough about the engine structure to know if this is even feasible, e.g if there is a gasket or bearing somewhere which would allow antifreeze to seep through.

Unfortunately, no pictures, didn't think to take any, not sure they would tell much anyway, if you know what white lithium grease looks like, this stuff is pretty close.

Any pointers/thoughts/etc would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CADplans]

Is the tractor kept outside? If so, my guess is water.

I had a tractor that was kept out before I purchased it, a half dozen hydraulic fluid changes did not clear it up.
That tractor was sold.

My tractors NEVER stay out ,,, PERIOD!!

Especially with a tractor as old as a 1050,, as a minimum, the tractor must be stored under a shed rood.
I have a 650, and I am even leary of pressure washing it,,,

 

[mikedn@cox.net]

Is the tractor kept outside? If so, my guess is water.

I had a tractor that was kept out before I purchased it, a half dozen hydraulic fluid changes did not clear it up.

I have a lean-to I store it under, but, when it use, I do not always put it back, so sure, it gets wet from time to time.

No idea where the water ingress would be though, and I would have thought flushing everything out with diesel would get everything out.

 

[beenthere]

Some pics would help understand better, but sounds like condensation. Alternating warm and cold will cause that.. I believe.

 

[mikedn@cox.net]

pics were tough, I was by myself and was a mess, didn't want to handle my phone and ruin it. I'll see if I can get some this weekend. White lithium grease is the closest description I have at the moment.

 

[mikedn@cox.net]

About the best I can get, this is after roughly 10 minutes of using the hydraulics.

Buddy of mine suggests I invest in a bunch of oil filters @ $3 each, remove the metal screen, and run the hydraulics though the oil filter alone, constantly swapping out filters until the contamination is gone. Would be cheaper than constantly draining and refilling the hydraulic oil. Thoughts?

 

[Rock knocker]

Buddy of mine suggested it may be antifreeze from the engine block getting into the hydraulic oil (in which case, it'll be time to call it a day and part it out I think). I do not know enough about the engine structure to know if this is even feasible, e.g if there is a gasket or bearing somewhere which would allow antifreeze to seep through.

I don't see how that is even remotely possible. The trans and the engine are seperated by the bell housing. The only place they even get close is at the pump, and any failure there would be a trans/engine oil connection.

Are the brake housings dry? If they were filled with water you could suck water into the trans that way.

I would check the brakes, then swap out fluid a couple more times.

 

[mikedn@cox.net]

I don't see how that is even remotely possible. The trans and the engine are seperated by the bell housing. The only place they even get close is at the pump, and any failure there would be a trans/engine oil connection.

Are the brake housings dry? If they were filled with water you could suck water into the trans that way.

I would check the brakes, then swap out fluid a couple more times.

Yeah, brake housings are dry.

 

[Big Weld]

I had a similar but not as severe problem.

The cause was water coming in through the vent underneath behind the seat, it is suppose to be a candy cane but mine was broken off flush.

I replaced that, it is not a NPT taper but a British pipe thread, very similar but not the same. I got the replacement candy cane from Hoye, it was like $5 or so.

When I changed the fluid, there are three plugs, the big obvious one by the strainer/screen, one a little bit farther in front and one farther back, beside the swinging draw-bar.

All three of these had water when I pulled the plugs.

I didn't flush the oil, just drained all three and went from a slow weak hydraulic system that couldn't pick up the tractor to it doing push ups in no time flat.

Hope this helps.

Peter

 

[Tx Jim]

I see no way antifreeze can get from engine cooling system to trans reservoir. My guess is it's water contamination with probably algae in it. Maybe you need to consider adding a biocide to hyd oil.