water in hydraulics 1985 JD 1050 4WD

[archibald tuttle]

Oh yes, and if the Tranny Breather is anything like my JD850, little brother to the 1050, it should be located up high over the rear end under the seat. It would be a small 1/4" Hooked tube.

regards Phil C.

interesting, did find a breather behind the seat. it is really on the rocker arm piston cover but perhaps this does vent all the way to the transmission. Does the transmission/hydraulic oil reservoir include the rear differential? Or perhaps just via air space . . .

that is a pretty small well hooked tube. Hard to believe that alone could be the source of water intake from power washing. the shift boot is in excellent shape and still well captured by a retainer against the top of the transmission.

I'm maybe going back to my condensastion theory although I remain suspicious of the pressure washing since several others have reported a problem with it.

Also still wondering how the breather being plugged would lead to water in hydraulic oil if there are any takers on that suggested issue from early in the thread.

thanks, and happy boxing day.

PS - even at the time of jerky operation when water was found present, the dipstick didn't reveal a milky froth that suggested emulsified water. Don't know if that means the oil was bad or good if the water tended to stay separate. Well now it's been drained -- at least the sump. The only hydraulic attachment used is the angling cylinders on a snowplow blade that is used to replace the bucket. Don't believe this is a serious source of water, but that and perhaps the bucket cylinders retain some of the old oil during a change. will keep monitoring appearance.

is it worth loosening a sump plug after the tractor has been at rest for some hours say a couple times a year to look for free water?

 

[beenthere]

If the jerky operation has been solved, I'd not be worrying too much that it will soon happen again. Just be cautious of the vent tube when/if power washing.
And loosening the sump plug to inspect for water puddling and color of oil should satisfy any further wonderment on oil quality.
Seems you should be good to go.

The tranny/hydraulic share the same area with the differential.

 

[kebo]

Do a crackle test for an indication of water.

JJ, what is this crackle test you speak of?? I've never heard of it, but then again I'm pretty much a novice when it comes to hydraulics.

 

[beenthere]

kebo
A google on "oil crackle test" brings up several hits. One of them.

Monitor Water-In-Oil with the Visual Crackle Test

 

[whoodle]

On a similar note, while my oil is clear, and frequently changed, I find ice frozen in the couplers on my loader and implements. When it is really cold, I sometimes have to heat the female ends before they will make. I have taken them apart and found the guts frozen solid. My conclusion is that condensation is everywhere. That is why manufacturers put age limits on fluid changes as well as hours of use. 25 years smacks of the age limit on that oil.