Opinions, please - Hydraulic oil

[Jegs]

The boat has a vetus hydraulic steering system. Originally VG 32 was specified but now they say VG 15. My questions area: 1 Is there much practical difference between the two grades? 2 Is mixing them likely to cause problems?

Hopeful thanks,

John G

 

[VicS]

Both are biodegradable vegetable based hydraulic fluids.

One has a viscosity of 15cst at 40C the other 32cst at 40C

Mixing them should cause no problems .

I have no idea why a thinner oil is now specified!

 

[penfold]

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that Vetus change the recommended viscosity every couple of years so folk bother to change it; degradable oil tends to do what it says on the tin.

 

[Jegs]

Hyd. Oil

Gentlemen,

Thank you both for your replies - Vetus £12.95 per litre, local £5.99.


John G

 

[bendyone]

I use just a standard oil from an industrial fittings suppler about £8 for 5l. They also made up a set of pipes at around 25% of the cost of Vetus ones.

 

[david_bagshaw]

The thinner oil will greatly reduce the wheel / system drag in cold weather. Have used ordinary industrial hydraulic oil for 20 years , with no ill effect.

 

[Gordonmc]

I have a Vetus pump driving a US made ram, provenance unknown.
On their advice I used Asap Supplies' HV10 hydraulic oil.
£24-odd for five litres.