Water in hydraulic fuild.

stephan · Mar 12, 2005

Hello,

I have just been using an old hydraulic cylinder that had a bit of water in it from having sat out in the paddock without hoses on it. I did flush it out first but it seems not enough so now I think I have a bit of water in my diff. I looked at the glass indicator on the back of the diff and it was a little milky so could someone suggest what I should do to remove the water. I assume changing the oil would help but I would like to ensure I remove all the water at the same time.

Cheers

Stephan.

DmansPadge · Mar 12, 2005

The oil will float on the water. So if you drain the fluid you should get all the water out. I would think that it would be best not to use it for a day or so to let it seperate... then the water should be the first thing to come out. Make sure you change the filter also.

slowrev · Mar 13, 2005

Lots of hydraulic fluids have additives that hold water in suspension, so all the water will not settle out. HYTRAN types are one that does this. The last time I changed my fluid I left one 5 gallon bucket sitting covered for 6 months. Some water was on the bottom, but the fluid still had water in it too.
Multiple changes are the way I would go, at least 2.
Ben

Soundguy · Mar 13, 2005

You could add some seafoam transtune to it. it specifically is used for de-watering systems.

Soundguy

slowrev · Mar 13, 2005

Soundguy,
How well does the Seafoam Transtune work ? If it is good I would like to add it before all hydro fluid changes to get the moisture out.
Ben

Soundguy · Mar 14, 2005

I havn't used it, but our mechanic used it in a few hyd systems. How well does it work? Hard to gauge that without knowing how much water had been trapped.

looking at the MSDS.. it looks like it essentially solvates water and carries it out in soloution.. kinda like 'dry gas' does with water in a fuel system.. In other words.. it employs a polar solvent... etc. That should even get pooled water.. as long as it has oil contact.. and there is enough free capacity / solvent ratio in your oil / addative mix.

Drop by a store carrying it.. or hit their website and read the lit on the can.. etc. Seems to be decent stuff.

I've used their fuel conditioner with great results, as down her ein the south.. gas stations that don't move alot of fuel pick up water bad..

Soundguy

slowrev · Mar 14, 2005

Thanks soundguy,
I am getting ready to take my old IH apart to replace some rear axle seals, hoses, swivel fittings, painting, new seat, roll bar, wiring, etc. Just a general refit to get it ready for 10 yrs or so more service. I will try the stuff before I drain my hydro fluid. Want to get as much moisture as possible out. And since it takes 20 gals of fluid I don't want to be doing multiple changes.
I don't leave the old IH out in the weather, but from what I can tell it still gets a bit in there from condensation.
Ben

cowboydoc · Mar 15, 2005

Change the oil and change it immediately. Do not even try and get the water out with some supplement. Even a small amount of water destroys hydraulics in a very small amout of time. We change out hydraulic fluid every year because of it. Even just sitting your system will get water in it. Equipment that sits outside becomes full of water and the first time you use it your system is contaminated. If you do store equipment outside keep the hydraulics covered. Cover your ends with caps and put tarps or something over your cylinders. It will go a long ways toward keeping your system clean.

Soundguy · Mar 15, 2005

Cowboydoc. Sounds like he has his machine down and not in use.

One of transtunes main boasts is to de-water trans and hyd systems.

I think the additive would be a fine pre-treat before an oil change. You should get more water out of a system by adding the treatment, thn just simply pulling the plug.

Pooled water in a trapped area of a casting will not be purged with a simple drain/refill. If the oil is treated and it solvates the water.. Pooled water can be removed.

Sounds like the best of both worlds for a 6$ addative that is safe for hyd systems /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Soundguy

KennedyDiesel · Mar 15, 2005

I wonder how a diesel fuel treatment like FPPF Fuel power would work? It will take water on a 1:1 ratio and emusify it by a process called "hydrogen polar bonding" Since it is lubricity additive also, it shouldn't hurt the hydraulic system. You could add it to a jar of the milky stuff and see what happens. It clears up diesel fuel perfectly to the naked eye. A guy would probably want to drain the system shortly anyhow, but it could help get it under control.

www.fppf.com Maybe bounce the idea off of the engineers there.