[arbys]

A bunch of years ago I did some work on the top hydraulics. At the time this forum advised me to ditch the brake fluid and use ATF. I just bought new cylinders and it appears that it had mineral oil in it. Would mineral oil be a good option? I have about 2 gallons left over from my new lift.

[Sirrotica]

Originally Posted by arbys

A bunch of years ago I did some work on the top hydraulics. At the time this forum advised me to ditch the brake fluid and use ATF. I just bought new cylinders and it appears that it had mineral oil in it. Would mineral oil be a good option? I have about 2 gallons left over from my new lift.

Having worked on a good many hydraulically operated machine in the construction business during my career the only difference in hydraulic oils is their viscosity. The viscosity requirement is usually determined by the manufacturer according to proposed temperature environment and tolerances in the system.

In my own experience many of the machines used ATF, and just as many used mineral based hydraulic oil. Since the requirements of a lift and a car would be in closely the same temperature environment, your lift fluid should be fine. ATF has friction modifiers where hydraulic oil doesn't, that should make no difference in the operation of a hydraulic system.

[arbys]

Originally Posted by Sirrotica

Having worked on a good many hydraulically operated machine in the construction business during my career the only difference in hydraulic oils is their viscosity. The viscosity requirement is usually determined by the manufacturer according to proposed temperature environment and tolerances in the system.

In my own experience many of the machines used ATF, and just as many used mineral based hydraulic oil. Since the requirements of a lift and a car would be in closely the same temperature environment, your lift fluid should be fine. ATF has friction modifiers where hydraulic oil doesn't, that should make no difference in the operation of a hydraulic system.

Thanks, sounds good to me.

[rohrt]

I like the ATF for one reason. I can see the bubbles in the line.