cylinder cleaning and storage

[ptexer]

I have rescued two hydraulic cylinders from the local salvage yard. They were not leaking and were full of fluid that seemed clear. I don't want to mix this fluid with mine. I will drain the cylinders before use. How should I clean and store the cylinders.

 

[mrmikey]

Retract them, fill with oil and put a cap on each port, cover the bosses on each end with a bit of grease to prevent rust and you're good to go.......Mike

 

[techman]

Do NOT fill the cylinders. 75% is a recommended amount. A full cylinder that is capped can be damaged if the temperature rises (even seasonally). The oil will expand and possibly generate pressures high enough to damage seals.

paul

 

[ptexer]

thanks I will get to it next week.

 

[kilohertz]

To tag onto this thread....

I just picked up a 4x24" cylinder from the salvage yard as well, however, mine was empty, laying in a 1 ton cube van. Looks kinda dirty around the ports. Is there a recommended method to clean these without dismantling everything? What solvent is safe to use on the internals to give them a rinse or is this bad practice?

Want to put this on my log splitter this weekend.

cheers

Paul

 

[5030]

'Rinse' out with what else.... Hydraulic oil.

 

[kilohertz]

'Rinse' out with what else.... Hydraulic oil.

:laughing::laughing: Yuk yuk yuk....

Yes, that would be my final rinse agent, but if there is anything dirt wise, that is coated inside, just from sitting, I thought a solvent might free it, then final rinse with H oil. Will seals be damaged by varsol? brake clean?

Cheers

Paul

 

[5030]

:laughing::laughing: Yuk yuk yuk....

Yes, that would be my final rinse agent, but if there is anything dirt wise, that is coated inside, just from sitting, I thought a solvent might free it, then final rinse with H oil. Will seals be damaged by varsol? brake clean?

Cheers

Paul

They might be depending on what they are and you don't know. I suggested H oil for a reason. There are lots of diverse materials that are used a seals. Why take a chance. me, I'd take an oilcan and squirt the H oil in a port and work the cylinder manually a few times. dump and repeat.

remember, the rod and bore will be hard chromed so the chance of anything sticking to the bore is slim and there will be residual oil in there anyway, on the bore and seals.

One thing to keep in mind and that is H oil is fairly easily broken down by water so if the cylinder has water in it, add H oil and shake prior to working the rod.