CHANGING FLUID ?

antlers125 · Nov 13, 2014

Is it best to run the tractor prior to changing fluids to warm them?

ESBkevin · Nov 13, 2014

Yes, (except coolant). Most oils are designed to work at temperatures well above normal ambient and become more fluid when at warmer temps. This aids a more thorough draining process and indeed also settles the new oil faster so you can check dip stick levels, you do not need to pre heat the new oil as usually the crankcase temp is enough. If working in freezing conditions you will really notice the difference.

gphil12873 · Nov 13, 2014

Best I don't know. Will it hurt it...nope. I do it cause it seems to drain better with the fluid warm.

RalphVa · Nov 13, 2014

I extract mine from the engine. Helps a lot to have it warm.

Ralph

Navasot · Nov 13, 2014

Yes just about 5 minutes or so if that... get it to warm and that's not gona feel good.. you also don't want to drop oil out of your engine at full temp.

YardBikeBob · Nov 14, 2014

Well, you said 'fluids' so we're not just talking engine oil? I don't know how to consistently 'warm' the hydraulic oil. It's pretty thin so it ain't a big deal to drain it cold. Front axle? Again, how to get it to temperature? Drain it cold.

Engine oil? I formed my opinion while watching the condensation drip down the can from my favorite evening beverage. The same thing is going on in reverse inside the motor. Water condensates on the inside walls. Running the motor & heating the oil & crankcase will reabsorb that water vapor. Then drain it.

This solves the water vapor problem right up until you start the motor next time and run it for awhile. So do what you like. Pulling the drain plugs in the evening on a cold motor and then plugging and refilling in the morning does a fine oil change.

In the long run, I don't think the motor or the oil cares.

I've formed plenty more opinions, some valuable, studying condensation.

Bob