Can't connect quick HD couplers

[kco]

This likely is not relevant to your problem but the link below is to a post I made this winter.

I could not reconnect my snowblower hydraulics when I was certain there was no residual pressure, the couplings were clean, and working fine. A bit of heat on the couplings solved the problem.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums//showthread.php?t=231513

 

[Mistyridgefarm]

Hooking the two ends together will still allow the pressure to build up in the heat. Even worse, it has no outlet except cylinder seals or busting a line.

I tried the valve spring type pliers idea once using a set of slip joints and some welding. They were 12" pliers and on a really hot day, Popeye wouldn't have enough forearm grip to release the pressure. Oh well, not much invested.

The rag and hammer or flat surface approach is the only thing that always works.

I was going to try some female couplers with open ends for storage, but was worried the mud daubers would fill them up. I have been looking for an inexpensive sintered bronze filter to keep the critters out.

 

[Zebrafive]

Hooking the two ends together will still allow the pressure to build up in the heat. Even worse, it has no outlet except cylinder seals or busting a line.

I tried the valve spring type pliers idea once using a set of slip joints and some welding. They were 12" pliers and on a really hot day, Popeye wouldn't have enough forearm grip to release the pressure. Oh well, not much invested.

The rag and hammer or flat surface approach is the only thing that always works.

I was going to try some female couplers with open ends for storage, but was worried the mud daubers would fill them up. I have been looking for an inexpensive sintered bronze filter to keep the critters out.

My plan is to mount a pair of female hydraulic couplers to the lid of a 5 gallon pail. Then connect both ends of my grapple when not in use. That way no mess from what ever oil comes out of the hoses.

 

[Mistyridgefarm]

Great idea Zebrative. On the way back from the JD dealer this morning, I saw some balloons at a car dealer. I'm going to pick some up and try them on the ends. Cheap a d should keep the critters out.

 

[BloomingtonMike]

I am having a heck of a time connecting up my MMM to my 3320 third valve this year. I had teh snowplow angles attached to teh tird valve all winter. I know there is pressure as My deck is hanging. I tride lifting it to take the pressure off. I should be able to wrap in a towl and hit it with a hammer correct? Should I use a regular steel hammer or dead blow? I tried pushing on it and I guess I am too weak this year. Man it was tough.

 

[J_J]

Using the dowel rod in the female coupler usually works using a regular hammer.

I sometimes just push the male coupler against a rag on a flat steel surface, and that works for me.