1968 year old hydraulics

[Kadin]

Hi All!

Now that the weather has finally warmed up a bit here in Montana I'm out putting things together on a somewhat recent purchase of a 1968 Snyder Hi-Lo.

I just checked the hydraulic fluid for the first time and attached images of what it looks like.

Doesn't look good to me but I have no idea what it is supposed to look like! What do you guys think? The hydraulics still work on it but obviously I am concerned it will stop working soon.... do you recommend I flush it out and add new stuff? Does anyone know the process to do this?

Thanks for any thoughts you might have!

Kadin

 

[renoites]

i would use a large basting syringe and draw out the fluid and crap in this photo.
Then purge the system several times with clean ATF. Let it drain if it will, with the drains fully open and possibly use some low pressure compressed air if it will stay open..
Plug up the bottom and scrap the walls with brass brush, then vacuum particles up.
I wouldn't try using the pump until absolutely as clean as you can get it.. Then drain again until clear of particles.
Doesn't look like it has been opened since new with that much junk.
Amazed it works at all!
Finding parts for a 1968 lift pump will be hard at best.
This looks like nothing on my 1985 hilo lift system.

Is it part of the the lift system?
I ask this because the hitch is in the first pic. Making me think possibly a surge brake reservoir?

My lift pump and reservoir are located together next to battery.

 

[Kadin]

Thanks renoites! I figured as much. What exactly is ATF? Just want to make sure I get the right stuff.

Now I just have to figure out where the drain is on this thing!

Kadin

 

[RichR]

ATF is automatic transmission fluid, Dexron 2 to 5, but not 6, it's different. I don't think you will find a drain on the reservoir, you may be able to loosen a line to drain it but I'm not sure how well that works. Like mentioned above, use something like a turkey baster to draw it out. Be sure not to over fill the reservoir. When the top is down the level should be about an inch from the top.

Added idea: Harbor Freight has a hand pump that should really work well and I think these are available many other places. https://www.harborfreight.com/multi-use-transfer-pump-63144.html

 

[Treeclimber]

I have to agree with reniotes, that looks like the surge brake reservoir! Different can of worms. If that IS the case, then it can be purged by separating the brake lines and using low pressure air to blow out the gunk and don it again, then fill with proper fluid. My 2 cents.

 

[RichR]

I have to agree with reniotes, that looks like the surge brake reservoir! Different can of worms. If that IS the case, then it can be purged by separating the brake lines and using low pressure air to blow out the gunk and don it again, then fill with proper fluid. My 2 cents.

I didn't notice that until now, but I agree with you. I guess it pays to pay attention. In that case brake fluid would be the liquid of choice.

 

[Treeclimber]

It was the good eyes of renoites that made me look again. And that cap was just wrong for the hyd pump.

 

[Kadin]

You guys are 100% correct! I checked it out.. that is the brake fluid. The guy I bought it from told me it was the hydraulic fluid so I just took his word for it without looking into it.

In that case, do you happen to know where I check the hydraulic fluid? I’ve attached pictures of the old hydraulic mechanism.

Thanks guys!

 

[RichR]

Here is a link to the manual for a 1971 model but I think is pretty much identical to your 68.

http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f49/1971-hi-lo-14ft-owners-manual-single-axle-2196/

 

[Kadin]

Here is a link to the manual for a 1971 model but I think is pretty much identical to your 68.

http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f49/1971-hi-lo-14ft-owners-manual-single-axle-2196/

Excellent, thanks for that. I'll take a look!