[ruquick]

How often does everyone change the fluid out and who uses regular ISO 32 vs the Green Marine biodegradable stuff? The reason I ask is I had a cracked hydraulic line (failed sitting in my driveway covered up) and decided to flush my system. After watching video's of all the sludge in peoples reservoir's it made me question the recommended hydraulic fluid. JL Marine is awesome and sent me everything I needed to repair mine free of charge but I'm not sure if I want to use the Green Marine fluid again. My Blade worked fine other than the blue hose cracking in the driveway. The reservoir was full of sludge and the two screens were just about plugged from the sludge when I pulled it apart. I have never lost or added any fluid and no water intrusion unless its through the vent on the cap (humidity) when the pump is running. After watching videos it seems like this might be a common problem. Curious how many here have actually pulled the reservoir off and seen the same sludge issue.

 

[ruquick]

Picture of the sludge and the screens

 

[Prizepig]

Nasty stuff. Maybe I better check mine.

 

[ruquick]

I have always checked my level and greased the bushing thinking that was enough. If I do go back with the biodegradable stuff I will just change the fluid out every year. It must be the price you pay to be environmental friendly.

This is after some cleanup. The new screens and O ring are on the way thanks to JL Marine.

 

[Gilbert]

I had regular iso 32 and got the sludge as well. I flushed the system and went back to the biodegradable stuff.

 

[Blank Czech]

The sludge won’t go away with a different fluid. I change mine once a year by dumping it out, wipe out the reservoir. If it gets sluggish, I’ll get to the screens and clean them

 

[dk2429]

ATF for me

 

[Righand]

I change it once a year for that reason. I use the green fluid. Jack plate pump too. People take those for granted, probably thinking that the shop does it when they take it in. Those pistons are always under water, saltwater ingress is going to happen little by little.

 

[fishin shallow]

ATF for me

That's what I use.

 

[Prizepig]

I had regular iso 32 and got the sludge as well. I flushed the system and went back to the biodegradable stuff.

Are you just disconnecting one of the lines in order to flush the whole system after you have good oil in the reservoir?

 

[Gilbert]

Are you just disconnecting one of the lines in order to flush the whole system after you have good oil in the reservoir?

I'd fill up the tank and cycle it up and down until all the old stuff came out and the fluid stayed clean. When I spoke to JM Marine, that was their recommendation. I got 2 quarts of the bio fluid and after I was done, I have about half a quart left.

 

[Prizepig]

I'd fill up the tank and cycle it up and down until all the old stuff came out and the fluid stayed clean. When I spoke to JM Marine, that was their recommendation. I got 2 quarts of the bio fluid and after I was done, I have about half a quart left.

Thanks Gilbert.

 

[ruquick]

I decided to go with ISO 32 this time and see what it looks like after one year of use. I will definitely change the fluid every year now that I know better.