Recently, I was asked about the procedure for flushing hydraulic systems to switch from one type of fluid to another. Some suggested methods included using brake cleaner, diesel fuel, or acid-based cleaners.

Depending on the O-rings and seals in your Car Lift For Sale hydraulic system, these solvents can potentially harm the seals or affect compatibility with the new fluid. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow proper flushing procedures or consult an experienced oil flushing service provider to ensure the job is done correctly.

In the Car Lift For Sale article for Machinery Lubrication, “Cleaning and Flushing Basics for Hydraulic Systems and Similar Machines,” provides a comprehensive procedure for thoroughly cleaning hydraulic systems. This method includes both mechanical and chemical cleaning and is considered best practice. 

According to a recent poll on machinerylubrication.com, 28% of lubrication professionals use mechanical cleaning as their primary flushing method. However, not everyone performs a complete teardown with chemical and mechanical cleaning for every fluid change. Here is a minimal approach for cleaning a hydraulic system:

1. Drain the Car Lift For Sale System: While the fluid is at operating temperature, drain the system completely, including the reservoir, lines, cylinders, accumulators, and filter housings. Replace the filters.

2. Clean the Reservoir: Use a lint-free rag to remove sludge and deposits from the reservoir. Ensure there is no soft or loosened paint left.

3. Flush the Car Lift For Sale System: Use a lower viscosity fluid similar to the new fluid, with a Reynolds number between 2,000 and 4,000 to create enough turbulence to remove particles. Stroke valves frequently and filter the fluid until it reaches one level cleaner than the target cleanliness level (e.g., flush until ISO 14/12/10 if the target is ISO 15/13/11).

4. Drain Flushing Fluid: Drain the flushing fluid while still hot and quickly. Replace the filters and clean the reservoir again.

5. Refill the System: Fill the system to 75% with the new fluid, bleed/vent the pump, and run it for 15 seconds, stopping and letting it sit for 45 seconds. Repeat to prime the pump.

6. Operate the Car Lift For Sale Pump: Run the pump for a minute with the bypass or pressure relief open. Stop and let it sit for a minute. Close the bypass and run the pump loaded for up to five minutes. Confirm the relief valve is functioning and let the system sit for about five minutes.

8. Run the System: Refill the reservoir to 75% and run the system in five-minute intervals, bleeding air each time and listening for cavitation.

9. Final Run: Run the system for 30 minutes to reach normal operating temperature. Shut down, replace the filters, and inspect the reservoir for cross-contamination. If any is found, flush the system again.

10. Post-Operation Checks: After six hours of operation, shut down, replace the filters, and sample and test the fluid.

11. Monitor Sampling: Increase sampling frequency until you’re confident the fluid stability is achieved.

Flushing techniques vary depending on the system’s condition. Common methods include:

– Drawdown Filtration/Separation: Removing contaminants by filtration or separation.

– High Turbulence and Fluid Velocity: Enhanced by low viscosity fluid and high flow rates, often requiring specialized equipment.

– High Flush Oil Temperature: Reduces viscosity and increases turbulence, typically targeting temperatures between 175 and 195 degrees F.

– Cycling Flush Oil Temperature: Changing temperatures during flushing helps dislodge deposits.

– Pulsating Flush Oil Flow: Rapidly changing flow rates to dislodge contaminants.

– Pneumatic Vibrators and Hammers: Used to dislodge debris from surfaces.

– Sparge Flush: Bubbling air or nitrogen into the fluid to improve cleaning.

– Reverse Flush Oil Flow: Changing fluid direction to dislodge contaminants.

– Wand Flush Tool: Directing high-velocity flow to loosen deposits in reservoirs.

– Charged Particle Separators: Removing varnish and submicron contaminants.

– Solvent/Detergent Flush Fluid: Using solvents like mineral spirits or diesel fuel, though with variable success.

– Chemical Cleaning: Employing caustics and acids to remove sludge and deposits.

– Mechanical Cleaning: Using scrapers and abrasives for hard deposits.

Matching the flushing method to the specific problem is essential for effective cleaning.

At this stage, it’s clear that changing fluids involves more than just draining and refilling. It’s crucial to ensure that the system is as clean as possible before adding the new fluid. Most changeover procedures recommend draining the old fluid from the bottom or skimming it off the top of the reservoir after a certain period.

Even after completing the changeover, the work isn’t finished. The Car Lift For Sale system must be closely monitored to confirm that the flushing was effective. Taking the time to thoroughly verify that the system is completely purged of the old fluid before introducing the new one is essential for maintaining a healthy hydraulic system.

Changing your hydraulic oil may seem straightforward, but it’s far from simple. Proper precautions are essential to avoid complications. You might have several concerns about how changing the hydraulic oil could impact your equipment’s performance or potential issues that could arise and cause damage.

This article provides a brief guide on changing your hydraulic oil, including essential do’s and don’ts, and what you need to know.

Changing Your Hydraulic Oil

Concerns about changing Car Lift For Sale hydraulic oil often revolve around incomplete draining of the old oil and mixing it with the new. This issue is common, especially when comparing different hydraulic oils in trials.

Simple tests are necessary to check the compatibility of the old and new oils. Neglecting these tests can lead to costly mistakes and ineffective oil changes.

Mistakes in Changing Hydraulic Oil

Without proper guidance or consulting a specialist, changing hydraulic oil might not address issues like base oil degradation or additive depletion. The rate at which oil degrades and additives are used up can vary, and changing the oil without assessing its current condition is essentially guesswork. The only reliable method to determine when an oil change is needed is through oil analysis.

When changing hydraulic oil, keep in mind that not all of the old oil will be removed from the system, even if you drain it thoroughly. Ensuring compatibility between the old and new oil is crucial.