Oil & Fuel Will diesel fuel clean out hydraulics?

[muddwhumper]

I was told by a local guy who refurbishes old Masseys that I could use diesel fuel to clean out the hydraulic fluid. It is extremely contaminated with water and looks like vanilla milk. I just drained the fluid out but now I am wondering if I should have left it in and added the diesel fuel--or should I fill it up (8 gallons) with diesel? Do any of you guys know it this would hurt the hydaulic pump? Thanks in advance for your advice/opinions.

 

[gamble77]

Fill it full of diesel, run it to the end of your drive-way and back, and drain it...it will clean the housings out better than anything we have ever tried.

 

[WilliamBos]

Hey,

Diesel will work the best. We used it when we changed the pinion and crown gear in my Dad's MF 35. It is still clean inside of it!! One thing, goto you local dealer and order new shifter booties. When they dry up and crack, it is very easy for water to get in!!

Also, for the little extra, spend the money and buy the MF oil,, Permatran, nothing on the market will compare to it!!

Take care, and keep us posted!!

Will

 

[muddwhumper]

Should I raise an lower the lift arms (in other words operate the hydraulics)? Or just pour in the diesel and let it slosh around when I drive it up and down the driveway.

Thanks Jeff

 

[ToadHill]

I had an old MF85 years ago and the factory repair manuel suggested using diesel fuel to flush out the hydralic system. Be sure to change the filter when you finish.

 

[Syncro]

<font color="blue">Should I raise an lower the lift arms (in other words operate the hydraulics)? </font>

Yes, I would operate the cylinders a few times to 'rinse' evrything then drain it. If the drained oil still looks bad than repeat. I've done this with lots of older tractors with excellent results.

I've even gone one further and 'rinsed' the crankcase with diesel, only when doing that just run the engine for a very short time so as not to score anything, like 20 seconds. Running an old engine with fresh cheap motor oil also works well as a flush, with no danger of scoring, then drain after warmup.