Replaced Hydraulic filter/fluid

[EBT531]

Replaced my Hydraulic filter/fluid today on a 1996 Spartan Chassis. To my surprise the filter had "95" stamped on it leading me to believe it was the original filter and likely 18yr old fluid. The fluid looked nice and red with no odd smells or metal. (Manual says Dex II was insatalled)

My question is what all is this fluid used for? It looks like the cooling fan and I'm guessing the power steering? Anything else? Not real thrilled the fluid/filter were that old, so I'm thinking I may run some miles and then change them again. I changed out 2 gallons which is what the tank held, but I'm not sure how much more the lines etc hold which are still old.

[palehorse89]

As far as what is run off of it, you got it, fan, power steering and thats it. Did you notice any difference at all? Any difference in the steering? Sound of the cooling fan change?(fan drive) I have the replacement items to do mine, and I just need to do it this winter. I was told by a service tech that those filters and oil will last and perform way past service time in the manual( Probably not suppose to tell me that).......without worry or lack of performance. I don't believe mine have ever been changed also.....15 years! Still working fine. Going to get done this winter..........
Anyone on here that has done this service has not posted any differance in the system after doing this service that I have ever read........It is not a dirty service and the oil, only running 2 items, has a easy service. Mine is AW-32 and is still clean and clear, not dirty. .........I will see if any difference after my change, I am guessing not, we will see.

[Tha_Rooster]

Originally Posted by EBT531

Replaced my Hydraulic filter/fluid today on a 1996 Spartan Chassis. To my surprise the filter had "95" stamped on it leading me to believe it was the original filter and likely 18yr old fluid. The fluid looked nice and red with no odd smells or metal. (Manual says Dex II was insatalled)

My question is what all is this fluid used for? It looks like the cooling fan and I'm guessing the power steering? Anything else? Not real thrilled the fluid/filter were that old, so I'm thinking I may run some miles and then change them again. I changed out 2 gallons which is what the tank held, but I'm not sure how much more the lines etc hold which are still old.

Just checking did you have a tank filter and spin on or one or the other. Some don't know there is a filter in the tank.

[EBT531]

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster

Just checking did you have a tank filter and spin on or one or the other. Some don't know there is a filter in the tank.

Mine only has the in tank filter. Unless Spartan isnt aware of a Spin on and I looked, couldnt locate one.

[EBT531]

I havent driven it yet to see if there is a difference. I did start it and the cooling fan sounds the same. I didnt have any steering issues before so I dont expect any real improvement, I just like to keep up on maintenance issues

[Cat320]

On my system (Spartan/Cummins ISL) the system holds 28 qts and the resevoir 9 qts. When ''changing'' the fluid, only the resevoir is actually being changed. There are two filters, one in the tank and an external spin on.