Hydraulic suspension question

I just went threw and fixed all the leaks in my hydraulic setup and need to top off the resevoir. My question is what typ of fluid do I need to put in. I noticed that the fluid that was leaking out was red and figured it was ****** fluid. Is ****** fluid normally used for this? I talked to a buddy of mine that used to install hydraulics back in the days and he said they used motor oil. So which is it ****** fluid, motor oil or neither? Mac

 

i used to have hydros on my minitruck and used ****** fluid every coupl weeks they start leaking ..didnt know why...talked to a hydro guru..he asked me what fluid i was runnin and i told him ****** fluid he said thats your problem..told to use 30 w nondetergent motor oil...i started using that 30 w and never had another problem..i have hydros on my 68 caddy now and i use 30w and dont have any problems ..its slower in the winter because of the thickness of the oil ..but better .....the ****** fluid was eating the rubber seals in the cylinders..

 

Mac.....

ask Tim, he used to run that setup back in the Impala days....

 

when i worked for LowLifeCustoms,we used 10w to 30w non detergent motor oil/machinery oil.we have harsh winter so the fall and spring are unpredictable,sometimes the temp dips.so we'd use 10w then.but if youre in warm climate,just stick to the 30w.whats the setup in..how many batts,how many pumps?any pics?

 

they make specifically "AW/AL HYDRAULIC OIL". Should be available at the better parts distributors, not the chain stores, or implement dealers. When your hydros are up, the system is at 2500 psi. Engine oil, trans oil and hydraulic oil are formulated differently, different applications.

 

I used to run 80w gear/hydraulic oil(can get it at walmart) in mine for years and never had any problems.

 

Thanks for the tips. I checked the fluid in it now again and I'm not even sure it is ****** fluid. I figure I'll just drain all the fluid out and use motor oil instead.

 

The oil used in hydraulics has three seperate grades.
AW 32, AW 46, AW 68 this is from thin to thickest viscosity.
AW 46 is similar in viscosity to 30w non-detergent oil.
Farm & Fleet or other type stores carry this for tractor and equipment.
Hyraulic oil is better than trans fluid in the hydraulics because it contains
anti-wear and anti-foaming chemicals.
Trans fluid will deteriate certain grades of seals if used for hydraulics.

Hope this helps some.

Mike

 

Thanks for the tip I'll keep that in mind when I change out the fluid.