What's happened here?

[B2400 owner]

Hey guys, any thoughts on why my hydraulic fluid would look like the jar on the left after only about 20 minutes run time total. The jar on the right is new fluid. If you read my post above, you know what issues I am having with the hydraulic system. I am hoping somebody can help me here.
Thanks

 

[DieselPower]

I don't see a link to another post but from the picture it looks like the oil is either contaminated with water or has been badly aerated. If it's not water then check for a leak on the suction side of the system.

 

[J_J]

Hey guys, any thoughts on why my hydraulic fluid would look like the jar on the left after only about 20 minutes run time total. The jar on the right is new fluid. If you read my post above, you know what issues I am having with the hydraulic system. I am hoping somebody can help me here.
Thanks

After sitting for awhile, did the fluid separate? Does it still look the same? If it's air,it will come to the top, and the fluid will look normal.
You probably have water in your system now, and you need to drain and put new fluid in, flush, and do it again. Then find and stop the water leak. If tractor is left outside, use a good tarp to cover.

 

[J_J]

B2400 owner

This picture should be in every tractor owners manual, under troubleshooting, and problems.

 

[Farmerford]

I agree with DieselPower: its either air or water. If it is air the volume of the fluid will expand significantly. So, if the fluid level rises quite a bit when you run the machine it is probably air.

There is probably a leak in the suction line or a blocked screen. I think that model has a screen on the banjo bolt that connects the suction line to the transmission sump. To clean it you have to remove the banjo bolt.

 

[Soundguy]

Ditto what the others said.

neither is good.. air entrainment.. or water emulsion.

both lead to cavitation and dead pumps.

if this is palin hyd fluid.. did you buy a non foaming type?

in any case.. decide if water or air. then procede accordingly.

soundguy

 

[Egon]

If you have access to a centrifuge it would quickly make an oil/water separation so you can see what you have.

 

[J_J]

B2400 owner,

Just use one half of the good fluid in another jar with some water and shake it up real good and see if it looks similar.

 

[kennyd]

THIS is the post he meant when he said "above"

Like whats already said...You either have air or water leaking in. If it's air you need to check all the return lines on the suction side of the pump. If you continue running it that way you will destroy the pump.

 

[dex3361]

You can do a crackle test to see if it is water in the oil or air entrainment. Following is a good description of how to do a crackle test if interested.
Oil analysis and lubrication learning center