Changing hoses Ford 4500 - wrenches used?

[Robar]

Hello - I have a Ford 4500 hoe and blew a hose. The space around the hoses on the distribution manifold is too tight to get wrenches on the nuts - just wondering if large flare nut wrenches are what is normally used to get at the hose fittings?

Thanks,
Robar

[herringchoker]

Do you mean under the valve body on the backhoe?
If so, I used regular open end wrenches (different sizes for different hose end fittings), but the wrench swing space is so small I had to keep turning the wrench over and over to take advantage of the wrench offset. If a hose in the middle is the busted one, you have to disconnect the outer ones first to work your way into it. I had to do this twice during the 17 years I owned the 4500...each time one of the inner hoses blew, but both times I replaced all of the hoses because it's such a nightmare to get at them. I sold the tractor 4 years ago...I can't remember what size wrenches I used.

[john_bud]

I have the slightly older 723 hoe, but the issue is the same. Valve body is tight!

Herring told you the facts. Just have to suck it up and start on one end and work your way in. If you are lucky you can get an 1/8th turn and by flipping can do it. Wrench size depends on the fitting. Probably a 7/8th.

Plan on using some quality penetrating fluid. Also, it may come off better when the whole deal is hot from use.

Good luck,
jb

[Robar]

Thanks for the replies - I have the correct size wrenches, but it is definitely a tight squeeze with a std. open end. I will probably buy a flare nut wrench and see if it makes it easier if I can't successfully test my theoretical solution.

I'm thinking if I detach the hose ends at the cylinders and release them from the hose clamps and thread the hoses down under the valve body I may be able to slide a box end wrench all the way up over the hose and get to the nuts. If it works I'll advise any that care...........

Robar