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Condensation in the differential



Fred, it is very common, it comes up here all the time, although it is usually described as being tan in color due to the rust mixed in. All tractors and most machines have usually gotten condensation in their housings regularly but it is driven off by the heat generated the next time it is used. Modern hydraulic oil with all the additives that it has now will absorb oil much faster than the old hydraulic oil that was in use when these old tractors were built. The frothy oil of course doesn't lubricate anywhere near as well as straight oil.
 
I remember reading in an old owner's manual - I think it was a 1930s Case that recommended cracking the oil drain plugs and letting the water dribble out as a part of normal maintenance. Let the tractor sit for a week or longer to let the water/oil seperate.
 
thanks, I was trying to determine if this tractor had been under water, the low/high range lever is frozen , figured it was due to water in the dif
 
Very common problem as we don't use this older equipment as hard as we should to "boil off" the water that has accumulated.

Dave
 
It can be condensation if the conditions are just right.

But more commonly, if stored outside, there is rain water getting in somewhere, like around the shifter or a failed rubber boot, broken vent cover, an opening somewhere that is letting water get in.

Unlike an engine that "breathes" air while it's running, once moisture is trapped in a gear case or hydraulic tank, even when it boils up from operating heat, it mostly condenses on the cooler areas of the upper case and drips back into the oil. Changing it is about the only way to clean it up. Even that is difficult once the water is emulsified into the oil.
 
Lots of things but I bet this went through some deep flooded roads a few times. So many people think they are driving an ARMY truck!. Could just be condensation so just do as others suggest about cracking the drain plug.
 
If you have a lever frozen you have enough water in the area to break a casting. You need to get it out asap or put the tractor in a heated area. Years ago I had a IH that got frozen up. The dealer told me to dump in a couple bottles of dry gas. It worked for me.
 
(quoted from post at 22:17:50 12/26/19) thanks, I was trying to determine if this tractor had been under water, the low/high range lever is frozen , figured it was due to water in the dif
Click to expand...

What is the tractor? What is the background of the tractor? One you just got? Have you had it for a time and it was working ok, but now suddenly the lever is stuck? Kept inside or outside? Have you ever changed the gear fluid?
 
Fred, I know this is not the same thing but a year or so ago I decided to change the oil in my diffs on my 2008 Chevy duramax. The oil in the back one looked like new but the in the front diff it was about 50% water. Looked awful. Always kept inside and I have owned it since new and has never been in deep water. My only guess was condensation.
 
Check your front axle vent, hose from top of differential to up in engine compt. in area behind left headlights. Have seen a lot of those hoses hanging down by the wheel or disconnected at the axle.
 
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