Water in Hydraulic Fluid

[jesseb3@att.net]

Last weekend I noticed that the dipstick on the tranny of my BX2350 was lying on the 3PT linkage. After murmuring to myself about my dumb luck that it wasn't lost, and wondering how it ended up there in the first place, I went about using the tractor.

Then while using it this weekend, it dawned on me that maybe leaving it outside, with numerous freeze/thaw cycles, the dipstick simply got pushed out. That thought was immediately followed with a "Duh, maybe water is now in the system?"

I checked, and the fluid is indeed milky looking. Further, while using it, I did notice that it seemed a bit sluggish.

So, stupidity aside... what damage could I have done? Further, after the fluid change, how do I flush the FEL to make sure that any bad oil is removed from it?

Oh, and feel free to slam me for leaving it outside all year long. I probably deserve that. Last year I had a tail light lens inexplicably fall off while it was parked, most likely also due to freeze/thaw cycles. This time, I think that I've learned.

Thanks
Jesse

 

[techman]

You should change the fluid and filter ASAP. Run about an hour. Exercise any hydraulic function that was attached, such as the mower lift, steering, etc. Then fully drain and change fluid and filter again.

Water over 2% can have serious corrosion effects on many components.

paul

 

[texasjohn]

That's right... need to get all the milky stuff out... use cheaper stuff for the flush and then go with the right stuff for the replacement oil. Be sure and change the filter the 2nd time as well... that is where the mayonnaise will get trapped.

 

[jesseb3@att.net]

Ok, I like the idea of the "cheaper stuff" for flushing. What is a cheap substitute for the flush? This is the only thing that I own that uses hydraulic fluid, so all I have on hand is SUDT.

I have no problem with spending the money to replace the "filter w/ extra mayo". Not worth the risk.

 

[techman]

You can go to Sams or TSC and buy a generic Tractor Oil for flushing.

paul

 

[Muskrat84]

I was told by a dealer that Champion meets and exceeds Kubota specs. He told me that is what he sales and its a lot cheaper. He told me it would cost $11 compared to Kubota's $45. He also told me it would not affect the warranty at all.

 

[megaboz]

I would retract all the hydraluics before draining the fluid to try to dump all the fluids. I would even consider disconnecting all the lines as well if severely concerned.

I have several types of hydraulic oil that states that they are equal to UDT, and my dealer actually sold me a bucket of it once (like they sell in sam's).

 

[Outlander]

I would not get too bent out about a little water in the trans fluid. It's a way of life with tractors. If you think you will prevent this you are going to drive yourself nuts. I learned this around 1955. Just change it in the Spring and be happy. It tends to be worse in the Winter with the large temperature flucuations. Our machinery was used heavily in the Winter and there is just no way around the rules of condensation in the colder regions.

 

[munchie]

The shifter boots on my David Brown have periodically been a source of water getting in. If the tractor sits idle and level for a few days, the water will sink to the lowest point (ideally at a drain plug) where you can run out a couple of quarts. Hopefully that is enough to let out any water in the fluid. If you have more than a little water in there...change fluids and filter.
No expert...just what works for me on this tractor.

 

[art]

I was told by a dealer that Champion meets and exceeds Kubota specs. He told me that is what he sales and its a lot cheaper. He told me it would cost $11 compared to Kubota's $45. He also told me it would not affect the warranty at all.

That dealer will be the winner when the warrantee is over!