Hydrualic Oil Bath

SteveInMD · Jan 22, 2005

While trying to avoid a disaster I created one. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I had replaced the cracked oil cooler hoses on my TC33D, did a quick leak check, and then I was off to blow snow. When I was nearly done I started to notice oil drops in my track. Oppps. I realize I did the leak check at idle - no leaks. However, at 2300 rpms I had a pretty good leak (the hoses did not come all the way off). While I thought I had put the clamps on as tight as I could without cutting into the hose with the clamps, they were not tight enough. I cranked down the clamps even more tightly and the leak stopped. However, my entire engine, radiator, and everything in the engine compartment have had a major hydraulic oil bath.

I'm really bummed.

Here are my questions -

What to do now? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Send it to the dealer and have them pull the front end apart and clean it? Try to clean it myself?

I'm concerned that oil will deteriorate the any rubber items. Also the oil will pickup dirt, which picks up water, which causes corrosion.

Also, I can't get more hydraulic fluid until Monday. At the very most I'm a gallon low. Is it a problem to run the tractor? The blower runs off the PTO so the only thing that needs fluid is the tranny and final drive.

Any advice?

thcri · Jan 22, 2005

My TC29D broke one of the hoses and I sprayed hydraulic fluid all over the place. I just used my pressure washer to get it clean with a detergent. I don't know if I would as far as taking it in to the dealer but on Monday you sure could ask the dealer. As far as the hydro being a gallon low if your not using your loader or anything that uses hydraulic fluid other than your tranny I would go ahead and use. In fact if I remember right mine was a gallon low but I ran it with no problems. Hopefully others will chime in here to help you in your decision.

murph

JimR · Jan 22, 2005

You shouldn't have any problems unless you hear the hydraulics squealing or sucking air. I've done this many time with the old Ford I had when I blew a hose and had to lift the backhoe or loader. As for the cleanup. I would just wash it done with simple green or some other type of cleaner and hose it off. Power washing it would be nice.

DieselMonk · Jan 23, 2005

As far as being one gallon short on 134 hydraulic oil that isn't big of a deal as I was 1 1 /2 gallon short and still could work all my attachments. The only problem I had was when the oil was cool, then I got a noise out of the pump (sucking air) until it got hot. I am not sure how much oil fits in a TC33D, but my TC55DA want's either 44L or 45L. So if there is a gallon (4.5l) lost, it is not that of a big deal. What the "oil bath" belongs: Get some degreaser and spray it all over the contaminated area and hose it off.

Have fun working!

jinman · Jan 23, 2005

Steve, I'd say it's time to take your tractor to the car wash, but with the weather you are having, that's probably not advisable. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif When it warms up a little, the warm soapy water at the car wash will work wonders on that fresh oil. I've sprayed the front of my tractor many times with the stinkin' hydraulic oil from busted FEL hoses (it really does smell bad /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif). I just use a purple cleaner like SuperClean to get every bit of it off.

As far as being low on fluid, your reservoir has to contain enough fluid to feed all the hydraulics and the transmission, but I think the main reason for so much fluid is cooling and working in rough terrain where your tractor can be in all kinds of odd positions. Gear tractors have almost the same amount of fluid as hydrostatics, but the hydrostatics have much more critical cooling needs. If you are a little low and not working on rough terrain or pushing your tractor really hard so it gets very hot (not likely pushing snow), I think you'll never miss that fluid you lost.

SteveInMD · Jan 23, 2005

Thanks for the posts.

I sprayed everything down with Simple Green and let it stand overnight. Then I hung plastic sheeting in my garage and hooked a hose up to the hot water heater. I'm amazed how well it worked. The tractor is much cleaner now then before I made the mess. I think I'll repeat the process during warmer weather, just to make sure.

djradz · Jan 24, 2005

I can confirm that - boiling hot water does wonders for degreasing (or in this case, "de-fluid-izing". I was so impressed with what hot water can do, and just the simple convenience of having hot (or warm blended) water outside, that I put a hot water faucet outside next to my cold water faucet on the back of my house. One of my most useful projects ever. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

jinman · Jan 24, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I was so impressed with what hot water can do, and just the simple convenience of having hot (or warm blended) water outside, that I put a hot water faucet outside next to my cold water faucet on the back of my house. )</font>

The plumbers working on my new house made a mistake and plumbed hot water to an outside spigot on my deck. How lucky can you get? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Hot water works so nice. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Soundguy · Jan 25, 2005

I'd grab my favorite degreaser and hose it down.

Also.. Keep this in mind.. Wallmart sells a 134d equivalent oil.. and they are always open!

Soundguy