64 Ford 2000 sludge issue.

BigT-WY

New User
What is the best way to clean the sludge out of the transmission and hydraulic areas without pulling the tractor all apart? I know it
will all have to drain out of the drain holes.
 
There are probably as many different "magic mixtures" for flushing gunk out as there are old farmers and shadetree mechanics out there. One that I've seen mentioned a few times is a mixture of diesel, ATF and rubbing alcohol. The alcohol helps absorb any water in the system into the mixture, and the ATF has detergent additives, and diesel is just a very thin oil that should help dilute the thicker petroleum parts of the gunk/sludge.

I think the ratios I've seen were mostly diesel, like a 5 or 6 to 1 ratio to each of the other two. Drain the sumps first, then put the plugs back in and fill with the mixture and run the tractor for a few minutes to get it sloshed around good, then drain it again. Repeat until no more gunk comes out. If you have a pump sprayer available you could take the top covers off of the trans and hydraulics sumps and spray them down with the mixture while the drain plug is open and try to flush the gunk out that way as well.
 
the diesel, atf and alcohol mix is good.

if the sludge is thick, I have pulled covers and used a pressure washer and let it drain out, then hit it with the snake oil.
 

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