Is it possible for my material cylinder hydraulic rams to be sucking in water and grout even if they are not leaking any oil? On my schwing 305 last year i had them rebuilt because or leaking oil. Now it seems my oil is getting worse and worse. Almost a green color. I drained 10 gallons off the bottom and added ten i should have drained it all. it may have just mixed with the old. I do try to drain the water box after every job right away.

the chevron seals on these cylinders need to be replaced at least once a year. if you have never replaced the oil, it sure sounds like it is time to do so, but simply draining the oil tank and refilling won't do the trick, you need to flush the system, to get all of the old oil out. when you drain the oil tank, you need to look at the botom of the tank, and clean it out.

Keep your water below the seals,in the water box,

also check your fill/breather cap for allowing outside contamination

just say'n

Thanks. i will need to look into Cheveron seals. i had the rams rebuilt with Schwing parts at catco hydraulics. On this pump with only 6" barrels and level rams im afraid to keep the water at the half way point. wish i could. Many i will look at the cap it could be could be the tank is not breathing, i had fuel tank problems once because of a bad cap. It is just odd that zero oil leaks into the water box but the oil seems to be getting cloudy.

drain water box at end of day before they cool and suck water back

Sinse it hasn't been mentioned,a filter cart at each service is a wonderfull thing.Also a good practice is to change hyd oil every year,cleaning bottom of tank every year.

I talked to George at schwing. He said as been, to drain every time, also the rams won't suck when pumping because they are under positive pressure.  Water to the top is crucial for cooling and proper lubrication. A filter cart would be great if i had one. Maybe the local trani repair shop would do it for me. Yeah a oil change is in the future.

The thing about rams: they are designed to keep the pressure in not the out side pressure out. The rings are angled in.

here's something you might consider for a small user,it has to help.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200373284_200373284?cm_mmc=Google-pla-_-Fuel%20Transfer%20%2B%20Lubrication-_-Oil%20Filters%20%2B%20Fuel%20Filters-_-109095&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=109095&gclid=CJfO4uKsibcCFYMWMgodPB4Agg

kinda neat page for info

http://www.qualityfiltration.com/component/content/article/14-content/59-tip-of-the-week