Hydraulic Pump Repair Kit for Ford/Holland 2N, 8N, 9N

Q: What are the most common causes of Hydraulic Pump failure?
A:

1. Long term use and more hours of use produce more wear. When seals, bearings and critical machined surfaces become worn out, it causes the fluid to blow by and not build pressure within the pump.
2. Contamination: Contaminants like rust, dust and abrasives are the most common cause of failure. They cause internal parts to wear until the tolerances are gone. Routinely change the filter to lessen the adverse impact of contaminants. In fact, changing the filter is sometimes more important than changing the oil.
3. Cavitation: When oil levels get low. Cavitation occurs, which is starvation of oil coming into the pump. The increased vacuum on the incoming oil causes dissolved gases to become bubbles. These bubbles in the gases gradually eat away the metal surfaces on the pressure side.
4. Aeration: This problem occurs when air is sucked in from a leak in the system. Similar to cavitation, aeration is when the air bubbles move into the pressure side. They collapse and erode the metal in the same way cavitation bubbles do.
5. Overheating: Here is the most overlooked cause for pump problems. Your hydraulic system produces heat, and the oil absorbs it. Oil also radiates heat through the metal surfaces. If this temperature is over 180º F, problems start to happen. Seals and hoses harden and start to leak while losing flexibility and crack. The oil gets too thin to lubricate properly, causing metal parts to overheat, become scored or gall.

Q: What oil should I use? A: The appropriate oil for your hydraulic pump depends on the specific requirements outlined in the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, hydraulic systems commonly use hydraulic oils with properties such as:

1. Viscosity: Choose an oil with the viscosity recommended by the pump manufacturer for your operating temperature range. Viscosity directly impacts the fluid’s ability to flow and lubricate effectively.
2. Additives: Consider hydraulic oils with additives to enhance performance, such as anti-wear, anti-foam, and anti-corrosion additives. The inclusion of these additives can improve the oil’s durability and protect system components.
3. ISO Classification: Hydraulic oils are classified by the International Standards Organization (ISO) based on their viscosity. Select an oil with the appropriate ISO viscosity grade specified in the equipment manual.

Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and the equipment manual to ensure that you are using the correct hydraulic oil for your specific hydraulic pump model and operating conditions. Using the recommended oil helps maintain optimal performance, prevent damage, and extend the lifespan of the hydraulic system.
Q: What is the best preventative maintenance for getting the most years of service? A: Just keep the systems tank/reservoir topped off with the proper fluid and serviced during the intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Hydraulic systems are pretty low maintenance. Some systems do not require changing the fluid at every service interval. Sometimes you just change the filter at service intervals. Sometimes it calls for a complete system flush and refilter. It just depends on the hours of usage or years that pump has been in use, along with the manufacturer’s maintenance service schedule.