How often do you cange oil if little us

Turtle n Peeps wrote:

Moral of story, with light use it is a WISE investment to change your motor oil every year since it will attract moisture over time.

So are you really trying to say that your tractor "attracted" so much water in the oil that the hydraulics would not work? :R

Used outdoors in snow, rain and sunshine..

If I was the tech on the job I would think this is a far more plausible thing to happen if I found water in the sump of your tractor.

I know I can pull the sump plug on my Case and Deere or many other pieces of equipment I have around here after they sat over winter and not even a drop of water comes out.

Yep, hydraulic fluid actually CAN attract enough moisture to PLUG filters, ESPECIALLY when you are dealing with average daily high temps of ZERO degrees for several weeks..

On my tractor, I discovered the hydraulics filter sits AT THE BOTTOM of the reservoir. Any moisture accumulation which falls out of suspension WILL drop to the bottom of said reservoir.

However in my case the filter was plugging off from all the ICE crystals that was in the oil or in the case of pleated PAPER filters, the paper attracts water and that water can freeze in the paper making the filter clog.

So , yes it can happen..

As far as pulling the plug and seeing water, you most likely WON'T, the hydraulic fluid turns a milky color when it is contaminated with water.. The hydraulic fluid should be CLEAR, if milky or off color (the replacement fluid I got from the dealer is red) it needs changed..

Keep in mind, vehicle engines now days are NOT CHEAP to repair or replace.. A modern V8 gas engine short block now days will set you back an easy $4K not including labor.. Diesels $6K or more..

It isn't like the old days when you could go to the wrecking yard and buy a working "pull" for $200 and drop it in..

To me, spending $40 a year in oil and filter is peanuts compared to risking a $4K engine.

Granted your oil and filter may not be worn out, but it would beat having oil which has a lot of condensation and residual combustion byproducts which made it past the rings laying around eating away at your oil pan, filter and even bearing surfaces..

Take your chances and roll the dice, your choice and your money..