flushing cylinder

[massey990]

Is there any cheaper fluid than hydraulic oil that can safely be used to flush out a cylinder?

 

[oldnslo]

Is there any cheaper fluid than hydraulic oil that can safely be used to flush out a cylinder?

Presuming these are meant for use with petroleum fluids, diesel fuel or kerosene will work, just drain them real well before putting them in service.

 

[DiskDoctr]

Cheap 30w motor oil shouldn't hurt it and would be cheaper than hydraulic fluid. Older cylinders were run on motor oil (ie dump trucks).

I don't recommend it as a substitute, though I know it is used in certain (mostly older) applications, but it should be find for flushing the cylinder.

I am assuming you aren't running through your tractor, which would contaminate your pump, reservoir, etc. How do you plan to flush the cylinders?

Maybe someone else can chime in about the extra wear protection, and what not that hydraulic oil gives you over motor oil.

- JC

 

[Gary Fowler]

I think hydraulic oil is about 10W and has lots of anti-foaming agents other than that, its about like motor oil in lubricating properties

 

[massey990]

Thanks for the replies, I went ahead and used hydraulic fluid as I did not want to run the risk of contaminating the tractor system.

I put QDs on the cylinder ports and kept switching between an open hose and male QD with a schrader valve. I would fill one end of the cylinder with a funnel and then using a bicycle pump I could move the rod in and out until I hade clean fluid flowing from both ends.