Changing differential oil

   / Changing differential oil #1  

countryguyvt

New member
Joined
Jun 1, 2016
Messages
7
Location
Castleton, VT
Tractor
1953 Ford Golden Jubilee
After draining the oil and removing the fill plug, I looked in with a flashlight and noticed quite a bit of thick sludge in the bottom. There is also a cup like depression, just about straight down from the opening, filled with this sludge. I would appreciate and ideas or suggestions on how to clear this out, before adding new oil.
 
   / Changing differential oil #2  
Throw some diesel and maybe a quart or two of ATF in there, drive around the yard a few times, drain and refill with oil of choice
 
   / Changing differential oil
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Thanks, Clint. I was wondering the same. I just finished flushing my hydraulic section with a couple of Gallons of diesel in a pump up tank sprayer, working through the inspection hole - it really did a super job cleaning that out! I'll give your suggestion a try.
 
   / Changing differential oil #4  
Depending on the axle design, it can be difficult to get all of the diesel etc. out, esp. if the diff cover is still in place.... this issue may lead to dilution of your final fill of gear oil.

Up here, diff covers often rot fast, so when they are being replaced, I just wipe out the heavy sludge, then spray down what is accessible with brake cleaner - a lot of the remaining surface gunk will be washed out, and the brake cleaner flashes off fast.

After typing the above comments (re. pickups and vans), I'm now thinking that you may be referring to your '53 Golden ?

Rgds, D.
 
   / Changing differential oil
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Hi Dave,
Yes, it is my 1953 golden jubilee. Do you think this differential design might lead to a lot of left over diesel in the case? After such good results with the hydraulic case, I'm really inclined to flush it out with diesel and/or ATF. I also have no problem following Clint's suggestion, by re-draining and re-filling a second time. Extra expense, but Another might be best. Thanks, Dave.
 
   / Changing differential oil #6  
Hi Dave,
Yes, it is my 1953 golden jubilee. Do you think this differential design might lead to a lot of left over diesel in the case? After such good results with the hydraulic case, I'm really inclined to flush it out with diesel and/or ATF. I also have no problem following Clint's suggestion, by re-draining and re-filling a second time. Extra expense, but Another might be best. Thanks, Dave.

A short change and refill is often wise - esp. if there was a lot of contamination (meaning original sludge and/or flush chemicals)..... Can add up $ with a big sump, but is a sure way to know what you are ending up with.

I don't know that diff design well enough to say what would be left over volume wise. If you can feed in a small diameter hose, a suction pump may be able to get a lot of the flush residue out. The most basic setup I know of is just a vertical plastic column with an air fitting and a suction hose - not super fast, but will get the job done.

Rgds, D.
 
   / Changing differential oil #7  
P.S. - you might PM Soundguy for advice - he is one of the regulars on here who has worked on a fair # of old Fords.

Rgds, D.
 
   / Changing differential oil #8  
Think there is only 2 gallons plus or minus in there. If you are concerned about residuals just buy some cheap oil and run it for a few hours then drain and refill with your choice. I personally would not be that worried, Just keep track of what goes in against what comes out.
 
   / Changing differential oil #9  
I've cleaned out old tractor sumps for years with diesel, none dropped rear ends yet.

You can always pull the pto shaft and get some small armed person to scoop for ya..
 

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