How to fill hydraulic fluid?

You know the drill..

Moderators: Redneck_Randy, badmoonrising, lakerunner

Post Reply
Message
Author
robdew
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2012 9:20 am

How to fill hydraulic fluid?

#1 Post by robdew » Mon Apr 29, 2013 7:26 am

See that grey cap on my power tilt unit? If I unscrew that fluid will spill out (I carefully loosened it to test so I know). So how am I supposed to check fluid levels or add fluid?

How do I top off a fluid reservoir that will spill fluid if it's opened? I lowered the bow of the boat on the trailer to the ground and it still didn't bring the reservoir to a level that wouldn't spill. I could remove the whole unit it but I am afraid of bending or breaking the hydraulic lines. This is not a new boat.
20130413_164636.jpg
20130413_164636.jpg (147.18 KiB) Viewed 1730 times

User avatar
redbeard
Posts: 1203
Joined: Fri Jul 20, 2012 8:30 am
Location: Blue Springs, MO

Re: How to fill hydraulic fluid?

#2 Post by redbeard » Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:44 am

Tilt the motor all the way up and try that that's what the manual says to do on a Evenrude. Hope that helps.
Truman Lake
1986 24' Playcraft "The Georgia Peach"
1996 Evinrude 88 HP
14x11 Prop

robdew
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2012 9:20 am

Re: How to fill hydraulic fluid?

#3 Post by robdew » Mon Apr 29, 2013 10:41 am

the fluid reservoir is not attached to the motor. Changing the angle of the motor doesn't change the angle of the reservoir opening.

I know the motor is supposed to be up when the reservoir is opened.

User avatar
HandymanHerb
Site Admin
Posts: 14336
Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:57 pm
Location: Orlando Fla

Re: How to fill hydraulic fluid?

#4 Post by HandymanHerb » Mon Apr 29, 2013 10:55 am

When you take it up you remove the fluid from the storage tank to the lift cylinder
In Memory of John 6x6 Larsen

Image

User avatar
redbeard
Posts: 1203
Joined: Fri Jul 20, 2012 8:30 am
Location: Blue Springs, MO

Re: How to fill hydraulic fluid?

#5 Post by redbeard » Mon Apr 29, 2013 11:01 am

I know it doesn't move the ideal is to move all the fluid out of the reservoir into the cylinders so the level in the reservoir goes down so it doesn't run out when you pull the plug out. Wasn't trying to be smart just trying to help.
Truman Lake
1986 24' Playcraft "The Georgia Peach"
1996 Evinrude 88 HP
14x11 Prop

User avatar
jrolin1
Posts: 400
Joined: Sun Jan 30, 2011 7:42 am
Location: Lexington SC Lake Murray

Re: How to fill hydraulic fluid?

#6 Post by jrolin1 » Mon Apr 29, 2013 3:03 pm

redbeard wrote:I know it doesn't move the ideal is to move all the fluid out of the reservoir into the cylinders so the level in the reservoir goes down so it doesn't run out when you pull the plug out. Wasn't trying to be smart just trying to help.
You gave the right advice! Also engage the tilt lock for safety before messing with it. The fluid does not have to be above the plug level to be full if you have the engine all the way up.

robdew
Posts: 44
Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2012 9:20 am

Re: How to fill hydraulic fluid?

#7 Post by robdew » Tue Apr 30, 2013 12:40 pm

jrolin1 wrote:
redbeard wrote:I know it doesn't move the ideal is to move all the fluid out of the reservoir into the cylinders so the level in the reservoir goes down so it doesn't run out when you pull the plug out. Wasn't trying to be smart just trying to help.
You gave the right advice! Also engage the tilt lock for safety before messing with it. The fluid does not have to be above the plug level to be full if you have the engine all the way up.
Aha! That's the answer. Add fluid until it spills because that means it's at full capacity with the piston extended DESPITE it being at at angle. That clarification is not my owner's manual, and obviously the reservoir holds less fluid if the bottom is level to the ground. thanks!

Post Reply