Hydraulic Fluid Life

cvog92 · Apr 13, 2023

Keep the story short but i am restoring a farmall 1066. I am at the point of the hydraulics/fluid for this system (steering, brakes, arms, remotes)

The tractor has been stored inside, out of weather for years. Last service was 1990. The fluid looks clean and clear. I am going to remove the fluid and go through the MCV, replace the hydraulic filter, and replace the transmission brake.

Now, do i replace the fluid...expensive for 25 gal of hytrans...
OR do i use the fluid that is still in it and add new hytrans (less than 5 gal) to top off that it needs? Thoughts?

New to the forum, long time lurker and appreciate all info i have received but this is a topic that i have not seen before through searching.

BarnyardEngineering · Apr 13, 2023

It was in the ground for millions of years before it was in your tractor for 33.

You may be in for a surprise when you drain the fluid, because it may look clean and clear on the dipstick, but it could still be milky and contaminated on the bottom.

So I'd reserve judgement until you actually see the fluid as a whole, then make the decision.

That's assuming you're not another "first post oil thread troll."

BarnyardEngineering · Apr 13, 2023

That's interesting. It double posted on me. So nice to have an edit feature.

This post was edited by BarnyardEngineering on 04/13/2023 at 09:37 am.

cvog92 · Apr 13, 2023

(reply to post at 09:36:12 04/13/23)

This is true, if milky and white, that is a guarantee replacement. Just didn't know if hydraulic oil would break down over time the same as motor oil.

37 chief · Apr 13, 2023

I would run the tractor for a while, then drain some fluid in a clear glass bottle. If it still looks good use it.Stan

paul · Apr 13, 2023

There are replacement guidelines in the manual.

As a youngster with dads old tractor, I went to the dealership and asked for oil to change it. He looked kind of puzzled, said they hold 25 gallons that a lot of oil, you
sure you want to bother?

Seems I was the only one ever came in with that question in 40 years........

So, what is the correct answer? You should replace it. If it looks ok I guess a lot of folk 99% would carefully pour off the top 90% and reuse, top off with new stuff.

Paul

the tractor vet · Apr 13, 2023

Ah is there a real reason to dig into the MCV????? ya ever done one before ??? if it ain't BROKE don't go messen with it now as for the trans brake it may or not need replaced . Proper clutch , trans brake and dump valve adjustment goes a long way. BUT here is where you throw the book away , going by the book was fine when NEW , but now due to extensive field testing things just don't work by the book i am not going to go into a blow by blow on how ya do it with out the book here as i have covered this many times before on the I H Farmall board and it is in the archives if you want to read it. Yes replacing the Hy Tran does dig into the piggy bank big time for the new and improved liquid gold . You can find a LESS expensive oil that meets the old spec/s . Ya have question on a farmall i can answer them .

Geo-TH,In · Apr 13, 2023

Agree x2.
Burnt smell change.

sotxbill · Apr 13, 2023

I would drain some off of the bottom BEFORE running it... to see if any water has settled out... check for milky colored fluid. Or after running it, send in a $19 buck oil sample to see how good it is.

Hydraulic Fluid Life

cvog92

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BarnyardEngineering

Well-known Member

BarnyardEngineering

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cvog92

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37 chief

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paul

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the tractor vet

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Geo-TH,In

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sotxbill

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