Cleaning your Hydraulic Connections/Connectors

[TimP]

Hi All.

I bought a tractor with a front mounted snow blower and I noticed that the connectors did not have their little rubber safety plugs/protectors in the ends of the hydraulic connectors.

I am more concerned about the female connectors, but both the male and female connectors have dirt/dust and even a little caked mud inside of them.

What is the best method to clean these connectors out?

I thought I'd start with some compressed air and maybe a wet paper towel or even cotton swabs, then finish with a spray of WD40 inside of them?

Thoughts/Suggestions?

THANKS !

 

[davrow]

I've heard (here on TBN) a jar of hydraulic fluid. Stick connector in and swirl around. Haven't tried myself yet, but sounds reasonable.

 

[TimP]

I've heard (here on TBN) a jar of hydraulic fluid. Stick connector in and swirl around. Haven't tried myself yet, but sounds reasonable.

Yes, it makes sense to use the same sort of fluid.... no chance of any sort of cross contamination.

Thanks !

 

[countrybumpkin]

I usually use starting fluid to clean them out.

 

[TimP]

I usually use starting fluid to clean them out.

Thanks !

 

[nyone]

Brake clean and compressed air. While you havr them clean take a look at the seals inside the female part. Anydammage and they should be replaced.

 

[TimP]

Brake clean and compressed air. While you havr them clean take a look at the seals inside the female part. Anydammage and they should be replaced.

Thanks for the tip.

I'll inspect the seals closely.

 

[kennyd]

I like WD40, its a great cleaner. I'm always concerned that Brake Clean or other harsh cleaners/solvents will damage the o-rings-probably unfounded though.

 

[TimP]

I like WD40, its a great cleaner. I'm always concerned that Brake Clean or other harsh cleaners/solvents will damage the o-rings-probably unfounded though.

Good Point Ken.

Maybe best to use either WD40 or the same Hydraulic Fluid already is the system.

Thanks !

 

[countrybumpkin]

We have used starting fluid for 40 years on all or tractors combines etc, Have never noticed a issue, very seldom have we had to chance a o ring. Not sure how you would use hydraulic fluid to clean the females but sounds like a mess, I’d look into the wd40 or similar if you want a oil base product.

 

[TimP]

Thank you countrybumpkin.

If it's been good to you over 40 years of use, it must be fine to use.

Thanks again.

 

[nyone]

Brake clean wont hurt any seals. I would love to seebsomeone try to clean dirt out of one of these couplers with hydraulic oil...then i would love to see the dirt caked oily mess after a weeks work.

 

[countrybumpkin]

That’s what we like about the starting fluid, it has a pretty high psi out of the can , evaporates quick, and cuts the grease and oil.

 

[Texasmark]

I use brake cleaner also, for most hygiene requirements where petroleum products are concerned. Unlike carb cleaner and such, most types don't attack most painted surfaces. Air or a rag cleanup.

 

[TimP]

I use brake cleaner also, for most hygiene requirements where petroleum products are concerned. Unlike carb cleaner and such, most types don't attack most painted surfaces. Air or a rag cleanup.

So maybe have several decent choices..... Brake Cleaner, WD40 or Start Fluid.

 

[Beezz27]

I certainly DO recommend cleaning the couplers before connecting them, I am currently replacing 3 leaking couplers and I am pretty certain that the leaks would have been prevented had I cleaned them better than just a quick wipe with a rag. The couplers I have and I'm certain most have end up costing around $15-20 each so that can add up over time.

 

[4570Man]

The easiest solution is to change them out for flat faced skid steer couplings which are easily cleaned with your hand or a dry rag. For the ag style couplings a compressed solvent like starting fluid or brake cleaner is the best way. Swirling them in hydraulic fluid is a ridiculous mess that wouldn’t even work.

 

[Beezz27]

The easiest solution is to change them out for flat faced skid steer couplings which are easily cleaned with your hand or a dry rag.

I totally agree that, that is the easiest solution, and I considered it, however the price scared me away, the price at my local hydraulic supply store was $90+ EACH, I found some online but they were still around $80 each, so I quit looking. I don't blame anyone for making that switch, it just didn't work for me.

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

Cleaning them is correct procedure but that’s why I use flat face connectors just wipe them off

 

[powerscol]

I like WD40, its a great cleaner. I'm always concerned that Brake Clean or other harsh cleaners/solvents will damage the o-rings-probably unfounded though.

Ditto on this - I carry a small can and a role of wipes with me on the tractor, It also works as a hand cleaner.