[rockNmayhem]

Well just a little update for the evening. I haven't gotten any more done on the loader the last couple nights with the hydraulics but I have gotten some new wiring done and made some other parts for it. I'm currently waiting on some material to come in to make the new cylinders and hopefully get started on them later this week.

I decided to follow what Steve and Joe said about creating threaded on caps and have everything sealed up tight and no way of blowing out a pressed on cap. I will be building the new ones out of brass as well since I can get a smoother finish, it's a softer yet more convenient material and should also hold up to the fluid great.

I did do some testing on the pump yesterday as well and found out that while using some universal hydraulic fluid it was quickly apparent that it was way too thick. I did do some research and found out that it is approximately a 30wt oil so I know that is now out of the question.

I did however pick up a small container of Lucas brand fully synthetic fork oil made for motorcycles at work today for a couple of bucks that says specifically on it that it is a 10wt and is great for high pressure applications up to 280psi and has a great viscosity rating making it essential in small orifice applications; which as small as my hoses and valves are should make this a great oil to use.

Now the only thing I have left to do before I can get started on the new hydraulics is mount the pump/motor assembly to the new plate and also flush the hydraulic tank and pump then fill it all back up and test it with the lighter weight oil.

Thats all I have for tonight but I will be starting on the rest of the auxiliary wiring within the next couple of days and installing some new switches and led's so this machine can work at night and see what's going on around it.

Thanks guys,

Tyler