REFLECTOR: hydraulic fluid for gear drive

[Al Gietzen]

I used Permatex #2 on the pipe threads during assembly 10+ years ago and
have no leaks yet.  I recently had the gear up for three days without the
pump cycling.  The hydraulic fluid I use has good lubricating properties, is
non foaming and is compatible with all types of seals.  It's called
automatic transmission fluid.  Good stuff and cheap.

Larry Coen

N136LC

 

Larry;

 

The only issue with the ATF (that I am aware of) is the viscosity at very
low temps; like below 0F.  I originally had used the ATF, and then after
some admonishing from someone, I considered that some day I might be flying
at high altitude in the wintertime where the temps may be very low.  Even at
higher temps there is very high pressure drop in the ¼” lines we use.

 

I went through an elaborate procedure to flush it out and replace with the
5052, and all I really got for it was a lot more pump noise.  The pump
prefers the ATF that is was designed for.  In about 2 years of flying, I
have so far never been in temps below about 40F.

 

Al 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.tvbf.org/mailman/private/reflector/attachments/20080830/58e79fa4/attachment.htm