Need advice! I am in the middle of it! Fluid change! HELP!

I am in the middle of my hydaulic fluid/tranny fluid change. I pulled the first pipe plug (differential) and then BOOM - nothing. It had so much crud it didn't even move. I had to sift through it with a screwdriver. Ok now it was flowing. Then went up to the hydraulic plug - similar problem with sludge. I stuck my driver and my fingers up to dislodge the crud. (Thinking all of the while...Now I know what a proctologist must feel like!!!!! !!! Wow - very strange and dirty job.) Moved up the tranny drain and it drain fine and was relatively sludge free.

Now the questions:
I am in no direct hurry to get it back together right this minute. So what is the "BEST JOB THE FIRST TIME THAT I DO AT THIS POINT"? Do I perform a flush with kerosene or diesel fluid? Should I pop open any other plates on the tractor for cleaning? What about the gaskets on the plugs? What size/type and where do I get them? Should I fluid an entire 5 gallons of new gear oil through the hydaulic system? I don't want to break the tractor in half or anything! (gulp!)

Anything else I should do while I have the fluid out?

Thanks so much!
Andy

According to manual it should be flushed every year or 600 hours or something. (think the previous owner left the original from the factory gear oil) - I like to experiment and fix my 8N but that is just me.

Like Claus said before - I cannot see someone just checking their compression for the heck of it - if it ain't broke.....(grin)

Well, I did check my compression too! 115 across so go figure - I just look for trouble!!!!! !!
But to me all of this work - is just plain fun!

Andy

Your mileage may vary

The lift that hardly held up anything for more a couple of mins (most times much less) - holds steady for a VERY LONG TIME now. Fluid make that much difference? It was very black and very thin.
Hopefully this will help everything!

thanks for all of the comments and suggestions!
Andy

if you enjoyed digging crud out through the PTO shaft opening I can find you work A I ing cattle

your mileage may vary

Don't they call that "stump breaking" in West VA?

ROFL..... ..Ed
'52 8N475798

I had a similar experience last winter with my 8N.

I ended up draining all fluids (you have done this).
Removing the PTO, Removing the Lift Cover, Removing the Pump, Removing the two Inspection Covers, and Removing the Tranny Cover.

Then using solvent, brushes, rags, and dirty hands and arms I "washed" out all three chambers.

You can easily get to everything in the center (hydraulics), most all of the rear (differential), and a little of the front (tranny) chambers. Lots of nooks and corners for sludge, dirt, etc to hid in. GET IT ALL!!!! It is also a good time to check on the pump and lift for wear and tear.

The gaskets are cheap and if needed replace the tranny shift boot.

PUT BACK TOGETHER, FRESH FLUID, and WOW. READY FOR ANOTHER FIFTY YEARS<: JIM