Hydraulic Fluid Upchuck

Lost Cub · Mar 1, 2016

Hi Everyone,

I have a 1996 Cub Cadet Super Garden Tractor
with a Kwik-Way hydraulic loader on it.

At random times (Only 4 times), hydraulic fluid has shot out (Like it is upchucking) quite a bit from the filler plug and oil level check screw. It seems like the plug (screw) is on there tight enough. It happens when I'm lifting or dropping the hydraulics or moving the bucket. There are no leaks coming from any of the hoses or hydraulic pump that I can see. Hopefully, it's not the hydraulic pump going out.

Has anybody experienced this before and do you have any solutions for this?

Thanks for your help.

Ross

Steve@Advance · Mar 1, 2016

That is caused by a couple different reasons.

If the oil looks clear, possibly the tank is overfilled. But if he system is sized properly, the excess should push out and find it's best working level.

If the oil is milky, foamy, there is air getting into the pump. Some causes are:

The level is simply low.

The oil tank is too small. When the cylinders are fully extended the level falls below the suction port and the pump sucks air. This would be accompanied by a noisy, moaning pump and erratic action.

If there is a suction strainer, it may be clogged, starving the pump for oil.

If the pump is remotely mounted from the tank, there may be an air leak in the hose/line allowing the pump to suck air. Also, a pump seal can sometimes allow air to enter the pump, especially if the suction strainer is restrictive or the pump is far away from the tank.

Lost Cub · Mar 3, 2016

Thanks Steve for all of your great knowledge!
I've got some research to do. I know the oil
isn't milky or foamy. Is there a simple test
to see if there is an air leak in the pump or
a hose? Or would I just be able to see oil
bubbling or dripping out of the leaking area?

Thanks again for your expert advice.

Hydraulic Fluid Upchuck

Lost Cub

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Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

Lost Cub

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