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Chris, I have a 1958 MF 202 gas, Continental Z134 engine and Davis loader and backhoe. I'm not a pro tractor mechanic but I brought mine back from the non-running/nothing works/big yellow lump of greasy dirt with flat tires stage. Just dug half a mile of 5' deep trench with the backhoe and backfilled it with the loader, so it must be holding together OK. My power steering is still leaking but at least it works between refills while I'm trying to find replacement seals, etc. The MF factory manual for the 1958 202 Industrial tractors indicated Type "A" Automatic Transmission Fluid to be used in the power steering system. Maintain fluid level approximately 1/4" to 1/2" above filter. Total power steering system fluid capacity is 2/3 quart in the power steering reservoir and 2 pints in the steering housing. Capacity of entire system is approximately one quart. It is assumed that most modern power steering fluid would work fine, but it would not hurt to check with a MF dealer or mechanic to see if there are any particular limitations on Type "A" fluid. Power steering fluid is basically hydraulic oil, which is relatively thin oil designed to maintain fluid flow in medium-temperature environments with minimal foaming, etc. It is not designed as an engine lubricating oil, and an engine would burn up quickly if hydraulic fluid/oil were used in the crankcase. Engine oil is generally not a good choice to dump into hydraulic systems because it is thicker and stickier, so that it will provide lubrication in hot engines. Most gear oil is 90 weight high-mineral oil (note strong sulphur-like smell) which will probably damage the power steering system very quickly, especially in cold weather. Gear oil is designed to stick to metal surfaces in a relatively low temperature environment like differentials. The foregoing fluids are all designed for specific tasks, and do not do well when used in the wrong mechanisms. Kind of like putting diesel fuel into a gasoline engine, or vice versa. Note that the engine oil filler pipe is just forward of the power steering reservoir, so do not get them confused. It is also necessary to bleed air from these powere steering systems. This is best done by jacking up the front end to relieve drag and pressure on the steering system. Check Big Dean's website via this forum for further info. He has great info on years, models, etc. Take the opportunity to degrease the tractor if possible using a pressure washer or self serve car wash, scrapers and lots of spray-on degreaser. Wear your grubbiest clothes because they will get trashed. Degreasing makes disassembly and reassembly far easier, and less chance of contaminating the steering fluid. The power steering system on the front of the tractor is especially prone to getting caked with crud. Don't forget to check steering linkage and front hubs for wear and proper adjustment. The seals on the steering box may be worn out, and/or damaged from low/improper fluid. Get the root of the leak problem fixed, otherwise you will continue to leak fluid. Good Luck.
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