Water in hydraulic system.

[lar3ry]

Thanks for the response, JJ! My hydraulic fluid capacity is 9.1 gallons. I'll try the methyl Alcohol.

The more I think about it, though, the more I think that the water may not be in the fluid at all, but in the protective cover over the ends of the actuating rods. Either way, I think my problem will soon be solved.

Larry

 

[Jbrink64]

Andy,
I was wondering... have you ever tried doing this to get rid of water in a hydraulic system?

I have a Ford 545 Industrial with a loader on it, and I have water in one part of the loader control. When it freezes (and it really freezes here in Saskatchewan), the control lever will not move left/right, which is bucket tilt. Sometimes the freeze-up will cause the lever to move to the right (tilt down), and I have to thaw it before I can start the machine.

The oil is not foaming, so it's possible that the water is not actually in the oil, but rather, in a position where it moves/holds the actuator rod only.

I currently use a heat gun, directed at the control block, at a place where it looks like the water might be (a sleeve that the rod probably extends into). Within a few minutes, it frees up, and stays free while I use the tractor.

I am a little reluctant to remove the sleeve and check, since I really need the tractor over the winter for snow removal and feeding horses with large round bales, and I'd hate to mess something up until spring.

Thanks,
Larry

Not to hijack a thread, but your problem with the 545 is water freezing in the spring cap on the control valve. Probably not water in the oil. The cap needs to be removed, cleaned out, lubed with a little spray grease, then use some rtv on the cap to keep water out in the future.

 

[kennyd]

Not to hijack a thread, but your problem with the 545 is water freezing in the spring cap on the control valve. Probably not water in the oil. The cap needs to be removed, cleaned out, lubed with a little spray grease, then use some rtv on the cap to keep water out in the future.

I agree 100%. Except for the RTV part, "sealing" it will only keep condensation inside, and it will condensate when the valve warms up and the cap is still cold. Best to drill a small hole in the bottom, and fill with a heavy grease that won't run out. This is a very common problem with Kubota's also.

 

[Jbrink64]

I agree 100%. Except for the RTV part, "sealing" it will only keep condensation inside, and it will condensate when the valve warms up and the cap is still cold. Best to drill a small hole in the bottom, and fill with a heavy grease that won't run out. This is a very common problem with Kubota's also.

On the 545, water runs off the hood, then onto the control valve which is mounted at a 45 degree angle. The spring cap also has an electro-magnet assembly for the RTD. It's a real water catcher. You can drill a hole, but I would suggest keeping the water out.

 

[kennyd]

On the 545, water runs off the hood, then onto the control valve which is mounted at a 45 degree angle. The spring cap also has an electro-magnet assembly for the RTD. It's a real water catcher. You can drill a hole, but I would suggest keeping the water out.

Understood, but how will it the help with condensation?

 

[Jbrink64]

Understood, but how will it the help with condensation?

It's water ingress. It actually flows in-between the cap and valve body. Melting snow/rain drips right on the valve when everything is warm...then it freezes.

 

[kennyd]

It's water ingress. It actually flows in-between the cap and valve body. Melting snow/rain drips right on the valve when everything is warm...then it freezes.

Ok then...

 

[lar3ry]

Not to hijack a thread, but your problem with the 545 is water freezing in the spring cap on the control valve. Probably not water in the oil. The cap needs to be removed, cleaned out, lubed with a little spray grease, then use some rtv on the cap to keep water out in the future.

Not a hijack at all JB! I put the question out there for anyone who might be able to answer it.

Thanks for the reply. As you may have seen after you responded, further down in the thread, I speculated that the water might not be in the oil at all, but in the cover (I had different terminology), so yes, I think you are entirely right.

I also see that KennyD responded with a concern about condensation (thanks Kenny!), and I may just do a combination of the two... seal with RTV and drill a small hole and plug with grease.

I'll get back and let you know what I did, probably after Christmas.

Thanks for the help, guys!

Larry

 

[Rocwin]

Just to add another option that I didn't see in the thread. Depending on your existing filter in the system you can often buy filters with water absorbing media inside them, they aren't economical if you have an big water problem but they are a good preventative measure if water seems to get in every once and a while.

 

[lar3ry]

Just to add another option that I didn't see in the thread. Depending on your existing filter in the system you can often buy filters with water absorbing media inside them, they aren't economical if you have an big water problem but they are a good preventative measure if water seems to get in every once and a while.

Thanks RocWin. I'll keep that in mind. Not sure where the filter is, but I'll find it.