white froth in hydraulic fluid

[KrisHansen]

I checked the fluid levels like a good little tractor owner the other day, and noticed a little white froth on the hyd dip stick. It looked like the kind of froth that water might have caused. My question is, how normal is it for there to be traces of water in the hydraulic system, and is it overly harmful?

With a car, in the enigne oil, I expect to see this, and know how to get rid of it (Italian tuneup.).. Not so sure with my new blue toy.

Thanks as always!

 

[tc35dforme]

I'm as far from an expert as you can get...buit a little white froth wouldn't bug me much as long as the fluid isn't all milky also. Is the fluid 'clear' ?? If not, I'd plan a fluid and filter change soon. If its still clear, I'd watch it, but I think you'll be fine.

 

[Soundguy]

Froth after setting is probably water emulsion.. froth after running may be air entrapment.. neither is particularly good for the pump.. as it causes cavitation... Moisture however does tend to find its way in now and then.. look for worn out shifter boots.. or breather caps that are not fitting well.

If the oil is cloudy.. id change it and the filter.

So whats an 'italian' tune up? Change oil and sell?

Soundguy

 

[jinman]

Kris, can you describe your tractor's condition? Was it over-nite cold? ...hot or after use? ...how much froth?

Wouldn't it be great if someone made a fairly inexpensive lighted probe like a tiny lipstick camera we could put down in the reservoir and look around? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif ...my little dental mirror just doesn't get it. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[KrisHansen]

The fluid is very clear. The tractor does sit a lot, and doesn't get used very hard when I use it. Truthfully, there were only 2 small globs of white, the rest was normal looking. I am not going to worry unless I see foam in the filler.

The hydros are very strong, so I bet it's just condensation working it's way out. I just barely cleared 65 hours, and changed the filters at 50 h. I may have hit the area of the breather with water during the last bath too...

An Italian tuneup is where you beat the ever living snot out of the car, which usually loosens things up, cleans out the engine and burns water out of the oil.

 

[KrisHansen]

Jim,

I had checked it mid day, so it was semi warm. The dipstick was mildly warm to the touch. my hyd fluid never really seems to get very warm. It has been cold at night, and the tractor has been parked outdoorsfor a few days (in the rain no less /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif).

I'll just keep an eye on it.. Thanks all!!!!!!!!!