1934 Houdaille Front Shock?

[AzBob]

Removed a front shock. Has good resistance but has so little fluid in it that it just drips out. Has a heavy gear lube (differential fluid) smell to me. What is recommended to flush it with, kerosene, mineral spirits or denatured alcohol? And what to fill it with?

Edit: Fluid pools on top of water. Does not appear to mix. Has a honey like consistency. Tends to form globules in water. See photo.

 

[Kube]

I have used mineral spirits with good results. When I have flushed them, I drain the oil, fill with spirits and work the lever back and forth. Then I allow the shock to "soak". Drain and repeat until the "stuff" comes out fairly clear.

You can use hydraulic jack fluid, widely available, in these.