About three weeks ago, the low pressure reservoir -> pump supply line crapped out in my trusty wagon. After replacing the line, I only had a couple of partial quarts of MBZ SLS fluid, not enough to completely refill the system, so I elected to use the tractor fluid (John Deere Hy-gard) that I have almost 10 gallons of, for my old JD 2040.

I know I have a badly worn positioning valve because at highyway speeds you can hear it intermittently squalling when it periodically sticks. Apparently, the Hy-gard has some 'mending' properties because the system works great and the squalling has stopped.

If you've been around here long, you'll remember that my son and I resurrected an '85 TD that had leaking struts and used 'O Riley's tractor fluid in the SLS. The car's SLS continued to perform for two transcontinental trips and one trip to Skagway. Unfortunately, the medicinal properties of tractor fluid didn't carry over to the cam chain and the car has now been retired from service, replaced by a Subaru Forrester.

Since I have a more than adequate supply of Hy-gard (which, BTW is about $2.25/qt compared to the $10something/qt for the FEBI MBZ fluid), I think I'll run this load for a while and then drain and refill the system for a sort of clean out/flush.

Let the flames begin....

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

I think that it is a perfectly legitimate replacement fluid. It is afterall a hydraulic system, why not put hydraulic fluid in it. There is really only one reason that I can see that the FEBI fluid might be better, and that is due to the possible difference in viscosity causing improper dampening characteristics in the shocks.
It's probably better than ATF which is whats in my TD at the moment.
baja

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For Sale: 1982 MB 300TD
1995 Chevrolet Suburban 6.5TD

Sold: 1980 IH Scout Traveler- Nissan SD33T Diesel

Yes, the Hy-gard was definitely more viscous than the FEBI that I drained (it was about 3 years old). So far, I cannot tell any difference in the damping.

__________________
Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

I think the argument against anything but approved oils is that some might damage the spheres and/or seals -- the approved oil is mineral based, many other are not. Here's a link to a discussion about precisely this:

http://www.***************/forum/showthread.php?t=494&page=1&pp=20

I am using a newer, Mil-Spec version of the Shell Aero 4 fluid mentioned in post #6 in this thread when I finally get my SLS lines re-run. I'll post here should I run into any issues with this fluid down the road.

Chris

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

i dont think the choice of hydraulic fluid matters much.just change it periodically.the dirt and moisture that will accumulate over time will do real damage to any hydraulic system.the price MBZ charges for their "liquid gold" is totally laughable

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michael cole 1980 300SD gone now but not forgotten,87tdt,90 300te 4matic 95 e320 wagon

I figure a good quality mineral based fluid fresh is better than the 30 year old stuff that's in my system now...
John

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

So you're saying that I can come to your farm and fill up my SLS with Hy-Gard and it will start working and stop leaking? I can't wait

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-justin

1987 300TD, 1987 300TD
2008 R32, 2000 Passat Wagon

Actually, the open jug is in the garage here in town.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Even better! You still need those cars moved around?

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-justin

1987 300TD, 1987 300TD
2008 R32, 2000 Passat Wagon

I managed to get them swapped but I still need to move the 85' 300TD to storage.

If you want to try some Deere juice see your PM.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Oh no!!! Did Passion Flower finally wilt??

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

We think it has a bad chain tensioner and jumped time...will start and run but poor power and shakes really bad.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

I've been using HyGard in my '87 300TD for about 6 months with no problems or leaks, seems to be just fine.

anyone still using it? i am not wanting to be paying $19/L local for febi....

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1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.

L7010-67256
Suspension Pump
Manufacturer: FEBI
Your Price: $ 1,283.54


Does that Febi oil look expensive now?