I am planning to change the fluid and filters in my hydraulic system and my canister calls for Delo 400 LE. However, I can not find the LE because it has been replaced by the SDE which is the new improved blend. From what I have read the SDE has lower zink and potassium levels which helps with polution but is needed to reduce wear. I like to stick with original fluids but sometimes becomes imposddible. So the question is can i switch to the Delo 5w30 LE synthetic or just switch to Roselle 15w30 that I use in the engine.
Jason
Hydraulic fluid is essentially a closed system, lasts a long time as it's not polluted by combustion products but wear particles. Engine oil is not a hydraulic fluid, just as hydraulic fluid is not an engine oil. New Oil blends typically exceed the former specifications
The hydraulic system on the '99 calls for Delo 400 15/40 the oils are always backwards compatible. The newer se will work fine.
I don't think I would switch to synthetic for this application - stick to conventional oil. In the hydraulic system, the brand of oil is not so important, but you want to use the correct weight and type as specified by the manufacturer.
Actually, motor oil, hydraulic fluid or ATF can all be used in hydraulic systems.
BUT, IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU USE THE OIL THAT YOUR SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED FOR.
MOST FORETRAVEL HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS USE 15-40 MOTOR OIL. STICK WITH THAT.
Sorry, have not researched the LE vs SLE difference.
Went with Amsoil 15w40 in mine,same as the engine oil.
When we lost a hydraulic hose on a trip, I just bought a couple of gallons of 15-40 motor oil. That's what the label on the tank calls for.
Pierce
Not to open the old can of worms, but I would not go to a synthetic in an old system. I run Rotella T4 15/40 in mine
Know what you mean about the can of worms but have been installing Amsoil in "old systems" since the mid 70's,never had any
problems and that includes many different automatic transmissions.
I've changed over all our cars to synthetic in the engines and transmissions and rear ends with no ill effects. I would do the U300 but I like to change once a year and can get Delo 100 for $15/gallon and change. Mostly Mobil 1 or O'Reilly oil. Amsoil is good stuff. I use it in all the two cycle dirt bikes. Too expensive for the coach.
Pierce
Thank you all for your suggestions. I found some Delo 400 LE 15w40 at a local parts store so I can stay with the same oil that I used before. No synthetic for the hydraulic system.
Jason