Need help with Leak at 3rd function valve

[kspring61]

Was up clearing brush in the back of the land and I sprung a big leak around the 3rd function valve. Fluid spraying everywhere so much I couldn't figure out where it was coming from, it's obviously under a lot of pressure. Got it back down to the garage and after cleaning it up I still can't figure out where it is leaking.
So a couple questions:

1) as long as I am not engaging the 3rd function (grapple in this case) I don't think the leak should be coming from the hoses going to the grapple since those shouldn't be under this much pressure, correct?

2) If I am correct on #1, can I just run the 3rd function without the grapple hoses connected so I can see around the valve and the main hydraulic hoses better?


I believe I must have a small pinhole in one of the main hoses but I need to figure out which one.

 

[K5lwq]

Just in case you did not know, be carful not to look for a pin hole leak with your hands. It will cut thru your skin like butter and hydraulic fluid is very toxic.

As long as there is pressure on the lines it can leak from the line, if there is in fact a hole in a line. Anytime I have had a hose fail, the hole was very obvious.

You can engage the third function valve with hose disconnected if you have quick connects on your valve. However, do not engage it for long periods. Short burst should tell you if you are leaking at the valve.

 

[kspring61]

Found the leak, one of the threaded plugs on the side of the valve body came loose and the o-ring got torn. I am guessing the o-ring got torn because of the pressure once the plug loosened up a little.

Man, that hydraulic oil is a mess when it gets on everything

 

[K5lwq]

Yes it is!

I am glad you found the issue.

 

[Oldoak]

At least that would be an easy fix. Appears that threaded plug wasn't properly tightened to begin with. It shouldn't have come loose on it's own.

 

[kspring61]

Well I have been using it for 3 years now with no issues so yea for it to come loose is strange. I am thinking now that the o-ring may have had a nick in it when installed and eventually the pressure blew the o-ring, and with only a partial o-ring the plug could now loosed up more.
Not really sure but going to keep an eye on it.

Tractor gets a lot of use, not always grappling but in this case that wouldn't matter, still pressure on the plug all the time.

 

[leonz]

Hello kspring61,

Be sure to take the o-ring and the plug with you when you go to replace it as it is a
a B.S.P. thread "British Standard Pipe" thread O-ring. A standard O ring will not work and
will tear and you will have a another leak.

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

Presure washer does a good job of cleaning it up

 

[Jack Yuan]

Was up clearing brush in the back of the land and I sprung a big leak around the 3rd function valve. Fluid spraying everywhere so much I couldn't figure out where it was coming from, it's obviously under a lot of pressure. Got it back down to the garage and after cleaning it up I still can't figure out where it is leaking.
So a couple questions:

1) as long as I am not engaging the 3rd function (grapple in this case) I don't think the leak should be coming from the hoses going to the grapple since those shouldn't be under this much pressure, correct?

2) If I am correct on #1, can I just run the 3rd function without the grapple hoses connected so I can see around the valve and the main hydraulic hoses better?


I believe I must have a small pinhole in one of the main hoses but I need to figure out which one.

Wear your glass eye protection and gloves, run the valve again, to find out where leaking, be careful. Normally oil is leaking in where hose adapter and its bent area.