Can You Mix 46 And 68 Hydraulic Oil?
We use different types of oil for various purposes. From transmission systems to engines, everywhere cars require oil. Hydraulic oil is an essential oil used to transfer power from one end to another end of the system through hydraulic components. But there is a question, “Can we mix 46 and 68 hydraulic oil?” running everyone’s mind. Is it your question, then the answer is No.
Hydraulic fluids are an essential factor in our vehicles. They maintain the performance of our vehicle. Any wrong steps, including hydraulic oil, can lead to a considerable performance drop that nobody expects. Read the article to clear everything about mixing two different hydraulic oil.
What Is ISO 46 Hydraulic Oil?
ISO 46 hydraulic oil is one of the most excellent oils designed to appeal to environmentally acceptable hydraulic fluids. It is obviously based on synthetic, biodegradable esters. It is widely used for different purposes. Its viscosity is 46 CST at 40°C. Its viscosity thins out to 6.8 CST at 100°C.
ISO 46 combines different additive packages like anti-wear, anti-corrosion, anti-foaming agents, and detergency. Preventing your system from oxidation, foaming, rust, and corrosion is its regular job.

What Is ISO 46 Used for?
ISO 46 is a powerful hydraulic oil mostly used under high pressure. You will see to use it in industrial plants. Besides industrial plants, it is widely used in boats, elevators, construction equipment, etc. it protects those tools from high-pressure rust and corrosion.
What Is ISO 68 Hydraulic Oil?
Hydraulic 68 is part of Crown Oil’s upper mid-range mineral-based hydraulic oil that meets the ISO standards for hydraulic oils and provides the most demanding protection of the system. This hydraulic fluid prevents rust, corrosion, and oxidation.
ISO 68 contains an anti-foam additive to control the quick release of incoming air. It will maximize the system’s efficiency. Its viscosity is 68 CST at 40°C. Its viscosity thins out to 10.2 CST at 100°C.
What is ISO 68 Used for?
ISO 68 is used in high-pressure areas where pressure exceeds 1000 psi. It is used as a base oil for liquid applications of metal forming. You will notice to use ISO 68 in heavy wire drawing of steel and aluminum, cold steel extrusion, heavy-duty stamping, and other heavy tasks.

Difference Between ISO 46 and 68 Hydraulic Oil?
The main difference between 46 and 68 is the thickness. ISO 68 is thicker than ISO 46. ISO 46 is the best choice for industrial work. In contrast, ISO 68 is suitable for the system used for high-carrying loads.
ISO 46 weighs approximately 15 with oil additives, and ISO 68 weighs 20 with additives. ISO 46 is a winter-based hydraulic oil because it has a lower viscosity. Most people do not know that. On the other hand, ISO 68 hydraulic oil is summer based oil with higher density.
Why Cannot I Mix 46 and 68 Hydraulic Oil?
You can mix different hydraulic oil if they have the same additive packages. Some look at the viscosity to mix the hydraulic oils. You can combine two oils with different viscosity. You don’t face any side effects or performance drops. But you cannot mix different oil with various additives because that combination compromises the performance that may result in surface corrosion.
ISO 46 and 68 are hydraulic oil with different additives. Their using purpose is also different. So, if you mix them, you will get the opposite result. That’s why you should not mix 46 and 68 hydraulic oils.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I mix different hydraulic oil?
Ans. You can mix if they have same additive packages. Otherwise, you cannot mix different hydraulic oil.
Can you mix different viscosities of hydraulic oil?
Ans. Check the additive packages are same or not, rather than viscosity. Experts don’t recommend to mix hydraulic oil with different viscosity.
What happen if you mix different viscosity?
Ans. Mixing different viscosity change the previous viscosity of the product. It won’t create any big impact.
Conclusion
You should try your best to avoid mixing different hydraulic oil. If you don’t have a good idea about two oils’ additives and technical properties, you should not combine them. It will create a bad chemical reaction and spoil oil’s technical properties. Because of different additives, you cannot mix 46 and 68 hydraulic oils.
If you want to mix two different hydraulics, you must check the chemical properties and additive packages.