XT3 Hydro that is “Cold Blooded”
 

Anyone here with an XT3 experience sluggishness with the hydro when going forward or backwards when the temperature outside drops into the 30’s and within a few minutes after warming up the fluid in the hydro all is fine? This characteristic was present since new and no improvement after changing the fluid.

Sounds normal to me for any hydro. The fluid is cold so it will be sluggish until the fluid warms up.

Thanks, I thought maybe a sticky valve might be the problem but that sounds like all it is.

What weight of oil are you using and is it mineral or synthetic
I use 5W50 full synthetic without problems but do not have the cold to your extreme

I am using 10w-40 (mineral) that based on my seasonal temps per Hydro-Gear’s manual. I replaced it around the 25 hr mark after a break-in period. See below on page 6

https://www.hydro-gear.com/wp-conten...N-50327_P6.pdf

Oops , I meant 15W/50 was working from memory when I type first answer , sorry