Hydraulic vent, and water

[s1120]

My 8N has an add on hydraulic system. The fluid in it now is a bit foamy, like it has some water in it, and when using the pump, it does cavatate a bit. Now I am planning on draining the system, and I am adding a filter, [this will be a thread later on this week. My first welding project on the tractor /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif] is there anyway to flush the system after, to get any left over water out? Also the tank has a drain plug, level plug, fill plug, and two line attachments, but no vent of any kind, should there be one? I always thought you needed one. I see that northern has a screw in vent/fill cap. My present fill is a pipe plug. I was planning on adapting that up to the ¾ pipe size that the vent cap is. Any other tips for me? I am "kinda" used to hydraulic systems from my Ingersolls, but this is laid out a little different. Thanks for any help.

 

[s1120]

Here's a real bad picture, but it will give you an idea what I am working on...

 

[Hambone]

Yes, I think it should have a vent. All the hyd systems I deal with have a vent/filter.
As far as the foamy fluid could be water and air. Sounds more like air since pump making noise. Be sure you check all the lines and connections on suction side of pump. If there are any leaks it will draw air and cause the problem you describe.

Water is hard to get out of any hyd sys. If you are careful you can take off return line to tank, make sure it is full of fluid and run pump. Important not to run the sys out of oil though. I do this on Allison transmissions to flush out coolers and lines when replacing. I have done on a couple of hyd sys but they pump fluid so fast (25gpm) that it is hard to keep up.
It would probably be better to just drain and fill a couple of times being sure to move all the cylinders completely in and out.

 

[s1120]

Thanks. There does not seem to be any leaks in the suction hose, but I will check it out when I get it up and running. I will pick up a vent anyways. I guess it cant hurt, right?

 

[s1120]

Heres one for you guys. I called my local parts place to get hydro oil, and they have what he called ISO32. Is that what I want? If not, what should I be looking for?

 

[Hambone]

ISO32 is the viscosity of the oil. If it gets cold were you are then that might be a little thick.

 

[Hambone]

I would sat an ISO10 would be fine. I forgot to look where you live first.
We use ISO10 here in Indiana, but, it is almost on the edge in the very warm summer. Of course our systems run quite a lot compared to a tractor.

 

[Hambone]

Just found this. This is the hyd oil we use in just about every hydraulic system we have except were the manufacture requires synthetic oil. Everything from dozers, excavators, tractors ect.

[http://www.exxon.com/USA-[/url]
English/Lubes/PDS/NAUSE2CVLEXExxtrans.asp

 

[s1120]

OK so the 32 is the weight. OK. I am in eastern NY, and it does get pretty cold here. Should I find something thinner?

 

[Hambone]

I personally think(does not reflect or imply the views of the management) would go with a 10 wt. By the looks of the pic, with the chains and all, I would say you are going to push a little snow /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

 

[herbenus]

For what it's worth: You might catch some foamy oil in a clear glass jar and cap it. Let it sit a while (might take a day) and I think the water will separate out. That way you'll know if it's a water or air problem.

 

[s1120]

<font color="red"> You might catch some foamy oil in a clear glass jar and cap it. Let it sit a while (might take a day) and I think the water will separate out </font>

Good idea. I am also going to crack open the drain plug and see what comes out. It has been sitting for a bit, and the plug is on the bottom

 

[herbenus]

Yeah well. I'm not very good at "cracking" a drain plug. It's usually all or nothing with me. Still you should get a drip and that's all you need.

 

[gollum]

Hi, just thought I'd poke my nose in a little. I have an International 3400 backhoe that drove me crazy for a long time with foamy hydraulic oil, and cavitation. A diesel mechanic friend of mine finally came over and we trouble shot one day. When I would rev up the engine, the hydraulic pump would begin to cavitate, but would slowly stop making noise . As it turned out , air was being sucked in thru an o-ring and it was just luck that we found it. After this experience, I 'd go over any and all connection that you have--replace any o-rings--make sure everything is air tight. My mechanic friend told me water in hydraulic fluid turns it a milky white, depending upon how much water you have in the system. Foam is air in the oil. Hope that helps.