Mercedes Mullins
Some people blend diesel fuel with hydraulic oil to save money and improve engine performance. However, it is not clear whether this practice is safe or effective. While some people report success with blending diesel and hydraulic oil, others warn that it can damage engines and void warranties. Additionally, the environmental impact of burning hydraulic oil is unclear. Before attempting to blend diesel fuel with hydraulic oil, it is important to consult a certified mechanic or diesel engine expert to understand the potential risks and ensure that the practice is safe and legal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diluting hydraulic oil with diesel | Reduces viscosity and improves turning forces in hydraulic steering systems |
| Ratio of diesel to hydraulic oil | 3 parts hydraulic oil to 1 part diesel |
| Impact on mileage and performance | May not be affected when blended at 50% and run in warm weather |
| Cost | Hydraulic oil is more expensive than diesel |
| Impact on engine | Engines may run rough or start smoking when the concentration of hydraulic oil is too high |
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What You'll Learn
- Diluting hydraulic oil with diesel can reduce viscosity and improve turning forces in hydraulic steering systems
- A common ratio for blending diesel and hydraulic oil is 3 parts hydraulic fluid to 1 part diesel
- Some people blend diesel and hydraulic oil to save money
- Some people accidentally mix diesel and hydraulic oil
- If diesel is put into a hydraulic tank, it can be drained and replaced
Diluting hydraulic oil with diesel can reduce viscosity and improve turning forces in hydraulic steering systems
Diesel fuel can be blended with hydraulic oil, and some people do this intentionally. For example, Tony Athens, a diesel expert, has recommended diluting hydraulic oil with diesel to improve turning forces in hydraulic steering systems. The recommended ratio is about 3 parts hydraulic fluid to 1 part diesel.
Diluting hydraulic oil with diesel can reduce viscosity. This is because diesel dilution affects the rheology of the lubricant, in particular, the viscosity and film thickness. This can be beneficial in hydraulic steering systems, as it can improve the turning forces.
However, it is important to note that mixing diesel and hydraulic oil can have negative consequences. For example, one source mentions that they had to drain their hydraulic oil tank and fix the seals on their hydraulic pump after a leak in the pump seals. Another source mentions that they experienced foaming at the pump and seal failure after mixing the two fluids.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the first fluid used in power steering systems was ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid), and this is still commonly used today. However, European car manufacturers have developed their own fluid, called PSF (Power Steering Fluid), which has a lower kinematic viscosity. For modern cars, a new class of fluids called HF (Hydraulic Fluid) has been created, which is the most expensive, advanced, and multifunctional option.
Therefore, while diluting hydraulic oil with diesel can reduce viscosity and improve turning forces in hydraulic steering systems, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and ensure that the correct ratios are used. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific system in question.
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A common ratio for blending diesel and hydraulic oil is 3 parts hydraulic fluid to 1 part diesel
Diesel fuel can be blended with hydraulic oil. Tony Athens, a diesel expert, suggests that diluting hydraulic oil with diesel can improve turning forces in hydraulic steering systems. This is because the diesel reduces the viscosity of the hydraulic oil. A common ratio for blending diesel and hydraulic oil is 3 parts hydraulic fluid to 1 part diesel.
While diesel in hydraulic oil is not usually a problem, hydraulic oil in diesel can cause issues with pump and cylinder seals. It is important to be cautious when mixing the two and some recommend checking with the manufacturer of the equipment before doing so.
Some people use a mix of clean hydraulic oil and diesel as fuel, particularly in older vehicles. This can be a way to save money as hydraulic oil is often cheaper than diesel. However, it is not recommended to use a 50/50 mix as this can be too much diesel for the hydraulic oil to handle. A smaller ratio of diesel to hydraulic oil, such as 1 quart of diesel per 1 gallon of hydraulic oil, is more likely to be successful.
It is important to note that the properties of hydraulic oil can be altered by adding different additives. For example, anti-wear additives can prolong the life of equipment, while anti-freeze additives can prevent the oil from freezing in cold temperatures. When blending diesel and hydraulic oil, it is important to consider the specific requirements of the hydraulic system and choose the appropriate additives to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential issues.
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Some people blend diesel and hydraulic oil to save money
Some people also believe that mixing hydraulic oil with diesel can help run the engine cleaner. One user on TractorByNet says that they have "researched it and found that some folks actually search for hydraulic fluid to mix with their diesel, they feel it helps run the engine cleaner".
It is worth noting that not everyone agrees with this practice. Some people believe that mixing hydraulic oil with diesel can be harmful to the engine. For example, one user on Trawler Forum says that "diesel in the hydraulics can be a problem no matter what your diesel guru states. Typically, you will have problems with your pump and cylinder seals".
It is also important to check with the manufacturer of the equipment before mixing hydraulic oil with diesel, as some systems may have specific requirements for hydraulic fluid.
Some people who mix diesel and hydraulic oil do so in a ratio of 3 parts hydraulic fluid to 1 part diesel, while others use a 50/50 mix. It is important to note that this practice may not be approved for all engines and may cause damage.
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Some people accidentally mix diesel and hydraulic oil
It is important to act quickly, as circulating the diesel by starting the engine can cause the diesel to spread and require the oil to be serviced twice. However, diesel fuel in the hydraulic tank will not cause significant harm if it is just sitting there and drained out.
In some cases, a small amount of diesel in the hydraulic oil may not be a problem. Diesel engines can burn a bit of most oils, and some people even use old fry oil. However, it is always best to check with the manufacturer of the equipment, as some systems have specific requirements for hydraulic fluid.
To prevent accidental mixing, it is recommended to rinse out containers when switching between diesel and hydraulic oil. A half-litre of the new fuel or oil should be enough to get rid of most residue.
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If diesel is put into a hydraulic tank, it can be drained and replaced
Diesel fuel accidentally being put into a hydraulic tank is a common issue. If diesel is put into a hydraulic tank, it is recommended to drain the hydraulic tank and replace it with new oil. This is because diesel will thin the hydraulic oil, which may prevent proper lubrication and hinder reaching the correct pressure.
If the machine has not been started, draining and refilling the tank will likely be sufficient, and no further issues will arise. However, if the machine has been started, the diesel may have circulated, and the oil will need to be serviced twice. In this case, it is still possible to drain and replace the oil, but it will be a more complicated process.
Some people recommend diluting hydraulic oil with diesel to reduce viscosity and improve turning forces in hydraulic steering systems. However, this is not an approved method, and it is always best to check with the manufacturer of the equipment before proceeding.
If draining and replacing the oil is not an option, a temporary solution is to add gear oil to the hydraulic tank to counteract the diesel fuel. This will make the hydraulic oil thicker, and the contaminated oil can be drained and run in the fuel tank with a 50/50 mix so it is not wasted.
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Frequently asked questions
The recommended ratio is 3 parts hydraulic oil to 1 part diesel fuel.
Blending hydraulic oil with diesel fuel can help improve turning forces in hydraulic steering systems and reduce viscosity.
Yes, there is a risk of damaging pump and cylinder seals if diesel gets into the hydraulic system.
Only clean or filtered hydraulic oil should be used for blending with diesel fuel.
Start by adding one gallon of hydraulic oil to a full tank of diesel fuel. If the engine runs fine, gradually increase the concentration of hydraulic oil until you reach the desired ratio.
