When I check the fluid cold, it looks normal. After I run the tractor a bit and then check it, the fluid is milky. I did have the tractor split recently to have rear main seal and freeze plug replaced. There are no drips/leaks I can see. Any suggestions as to what I should check?
Milky Transmission Fluid
- Thread starter TNSuperC
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davesl708
Elite Member
Re: Milky Hydraulic Fluid
Sounds like water. freeze plug may not have sealed.
Sounds like water. freeze plug may not have sealed.
murphy1244
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Do you have gear levers on top of the trans? If so check the rubber covers. Sounds like you do have some water in your oil.
Yes, I do, two in fact. Both have new rubber boots. I picked up the low range boot to look underneath and although repainted, the "metal shield" had about 40% of it rusted away.
JCByrd24
Gold Member
Milky is usually water but if it's normal cold and then looks milky after running look very closely and see if it is actually air bubbles you are seeing. Air leaking into oil being pumped in a circuit will froth. A few different causes. Usually leaks (air leaking in not necessarily fluid out) on the suction side of the pump, can also be under filled and drawing air from the reservoir. Sometime just the reservoir design if not totally filled.
Also, the oil will float on the water and may separate after sitting for a while (not my experience but possible), so try draining a little at a low spot to see if there is water. My hydraulic fluid can be drained at the bottom of the rear axle housing.
Also, the oil will float on the water and may separate after sitting for a while (not my experience but possible), so try draining a little at a low spot to see if there is water. My hydraulic fluid can be drained at the bottom of the rear axle housing.
Yes, thanks, that is an excellent point JCByrd24. It is my transmission fluid rather than hydraulic...error on my part in original post. The transmission fluid shows over filled when I check it, so I think it is moisture. I see now that the transmission and hydraulic systems are separate on this tractor. Both systems use the same hydraulic oil. I will drain a bit into a bucket and see if water is present. Thanks again.
Billrog
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Have you hosed it off or pressure washed it lately? I've seen that the source of water in the hydraulic oil.
Kirk-NJ
Gold Member
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Water will separate from the oil. Water will drop to the bottom. When not used for a while when they separate you can crack the drain plug and the water will drip out before the oil.
Kirk
Kirk
