Crane hydraulic oil removal

[Johnherbert]

Has anyone any tips for removing the hydraulic oil from the hoses of a small timber crane. I have drained the holding tank but the oil in the hoses doesn’t drain freely. Can it be forced through with an air compressor. It needs to be removed as it is contaminated.

[dig-dug-dan]

You have to undo all the connectors first. Its a balla ache of a job.

In future, you would be better trying to run the crane up every few weeks, get the oil pumping round the system and get it nice and hot. Will save the components and oil from failing

[openspaceman]

1 hour ago, Johnherbert said:

Has anyone any tips for removing the hydraulic oil from the hoses of a small timber crane. I have drained the holding tank but the oil in the hoses doesn’t drain freely. Can it be forced through with an air compressor. It needs to be removed as it is contaminated.

Is this just water contamination? As mentioned in your other thread

[Johnherbert]

Yes, just from condensation.

[openspaceman]

7 minutes ago, Johnherbert said:

Yes, just from condensation.

Oil and water don't mix well so water above 300 parts per million will settle out over time and can be drained off at the lowest point. You could try a MR Funnel, about 20 quid, it works with diesel but I have never used it with hydraulic oil, obviously it will be slower as the oil is higher viscosity

 

http://www.mrfunnel.com/Mr._Funnel/Home.html

[Johnherbert]

1 hour ago, openspaceman said:

Oil and water don't mix well so water above 300 parts per million will settle out over time and can be drained off at the lowest point. You could try a MR Funnel, about 20 quid, it works with diesel but I have never used it with hydraulic oil, obviously it will be slower as the oil is higher viscosity

 

http://www.mrfunnel.com/Mr._Funnel/Home.html

So that would explain why the oil is clear on the level viewer before it’s started up again. Would I be right in presuming that the moisture that’s condensated has settled at the bottom of the tank and by draining about half a pint it would have eliminated the water ?

[openspaceman]

1 hour ago, Johnherbert said:

So that would explain why the oil is clear on the level viewer before it’s started up again. Would I be right in presuming that the moisture that’s condensated has settled at the bottom of the tank and by draining about half a pint it would have eliminated the water ?

Probably. it's a dilemma in that as the oil heats up the water vapour is given off to an extent but hot oil shortens its life. I'm told one can buy return filters with water absorbers in them but not used them.