Fixed the hose

[woodlandfarms]

Just an update and notes for anyone who has yet to do this. I went out and bought angled head wrenches as well as crows feet for my ratchet. A very expensive tool day. I think those S wrenches would be cool as well but could not find them locally.

None of the above wrenches work well. PT put those hoses in the darndest places, but with a bit of patience, a lot of cursing, and just plain stuborness, you can catch the heads and reef them out. The are on strong, had to double wrench to get enough pressure to break them free. Getting them back on was an equal challenge, but clearly the new hose was much more pliable. I was afraid of this whole process, but in the end, it was 2 hours and a learning experience I can and will repeat. Oh, in case someone reads this down the road for research. JJ had a great idea dealing with pulling hoses. He suggested to couple them together then pull them through. The old pulling the new in. Only problem is getting the right length of hose. Maybe Terry has the specs.

My tractor is used, and its history is questionable. I found additional hoses that were worn and cracked. I will slowly start the replacement process. I am still trying to track all my leaks.

Carl

 

[Barryh]

Just an update and notes for anyone who has yet to do this. I went out and bought angled head wrenches as well as crows feet for my ratchet. A very expensive tool day. I think those S wrenches would be cool as well but could not find them locally.

None of the above wrenches work well. PT put those hoses in the darndest places, but with a bit of patience, a lot of cursing, and just plain stuborness, you can catch the heads and reef them out. The are on strong, had to double wrench to get enough pressure to break them free. Getting them back on was an equal challenge, but clearly the new hose was much more pliable. I was afraid of this whole process, but in the end, it was 2 hours and a learning experience I can and will repeat. Oh, in case someone reads this down the road for research. JJ had a great idea dealing with pulling hoses. He suggested to couple them together then pull them through. The old pulling the new in. Only problem is getting the right length of hose. Maybe Terry has the specs.

My tractor is used, and its history is questionable. I found additional hoses that were worn and cracked. I will slowly start the replacement process. I am still trying to track all my leaks.

Carl

I've gotta ask once again. With all of the hydraulic problems you seem to be having, have you added or looked into the colored dye to help you track the leaks in your hydraulic system?? Seems like almost a must get.... in your situation

 

[BobRip]

My tractor is used, and its history is questionable. I found additional hoses that were worn and cracked. I will slowly start the replacement process. I am still trying to track all my leaks.

Carl

Somebody correct me if I am wrong, but cracking of the outer covering is not an indication of imminent failure. Just under that is a metal webbing and then under that is another rubber jacket. These actually contain the pressure and stop the leaks respectively.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Yes, I have the dye kit. but right now I am trying to fix the obvious leaks. Will let you know when I put the die kit in.

As for the covering, it was explained to me that the outer cover is for wear, the wire is wear and pressure, and the inner is the actual seal.

But, when the outside is cracked, and cracks when it moves, it has either been exposed to the elements too long or is in a serious heat situation. Either way those things that impact the outer rubber can impact the inner rubber and it should be replaced. At least that is what the Hydraulics shop told me today...

 

[Barryh]

Somebody correct me if I am wrong, but cracking of the outer covering is not an indication of imminent failure. Just under that is a metal webbing and then under that is another rubber jacket. These actually contain the pressure and stop the leaks respectively.

You’re probably right, but just as with a weather checked tire. Sounds like it may be loosing its elasticity, which could put more stress on the inter metal webbing and inner rubber layer, which may also be doing the same thing. Hard to say... I would also vote to replace it.

 

[Barryh]

Yes, I have the dye kit. but right now I am trying to fix the obvious leaks. Will let you know when I put the die kit in.

As for the covering, it was explained to me that the outer cover is for wear, the wire is wear and pressure, and the inner is the actual seal.

But, when the outside is cracked, and cracks when it moves, it has either been exposed to the elements too long or is in a serious heat situation. Either way those things that impact the outer rubber can impact the inner rubber and it should be replaced. At least that is what the Hydraulics shop told me today...

Hmmm looks like we were typing about the same time. That's how I see also.

 

[ponytug]

It is a great trick. J.J. is a great resource!

Another tip: You can pull a third hose through, measure the old one, get a matching hose made, and then use the third one to pull the new one through...Just make sure hose #3 is too long for the job.

All the best,

Peter

Just an update and notes for anyone who has yet to do this. I went out and bought angled head wrenches as well as crows feet for my ratchet. A very expensive tool day. I think those S wrenches would be cool as well but could not find them locally.

None of the above wrenches work well. PT put those hoses in the darndest places, but with a bit of patience, a lot of cursing, and just plain stuborness, you can catch the heads and reef them out. The are on strong, had to double wrench to get enough pressure to break them free. Getting them back on was an equal challenge, but clearly the new hose was much more pliable. I was afraid of this whole process, but in the end, it was 2 hours and a learning experience I can and will repeat. Oh, in case someone reads this down the road for research. JJ had a great idea dealing with pulling hoses. He suggested to couple them together then pull them through. The old pulling the new in. Only problem is getting the right length of hose. Maybe Terry has the specs.

My tractor is used, and its history is questionable. I found additional hoses that were worn and cracked. I will slowly start the replacement process. I am still trying to track all my leaks.

Carl

 

[BobRip]

Yes, I have the dye kit. but right now I am trying to fix the obvious leaks. Will let you know when I put the die kit in.

As for the covering, it was explained to me that the outer cover is for wear, the wire is wear and pressure, and the inner is the actual seal.

But, when the outside is cracked, and cracks when it moves, it has either been exposed to the elements too long or is in a serious heat situation. Either way those things that impact the outer rubber can impact the inner rubber and it should be replaced. At least that is what the Hydraulics shop told me today...

These are good points and probably correct. I have a hose on the quick attach section which is cracked. Since it is not vital, I am going to see what it does. I have a spare.

 

[J_J]

Yes, I have the dye kit. but right now I am trying to fix the obvious leaks. Will let you know when I put the die kit in.

As for the covering, it was explained to me that the outer cover is for wear, the wire is wear and pressure, and the inner is the actual seal.

But, when the outside is cracked, and cracks when it moves, it has either been exposed to the elements too long or is in a serious heat situation. Either way those things that impact the outer rubber can impact the inner rubber and it should be replaced. At least that is what the Hydraulics shop told me today...

I don't know if you know this, but there are 1, 2, and 3 wire hoses, with the 3 wire hose being the strongest and least bendable. I would suggest that in any spot that is being rubbed, to add some extra protection, such as a sleeve. If it goes through a hole, or over a sharp projection, line the hole or edge with some kind of protection. Ozone is a problem with rubber, and anything you can do to keep the Ozone out would be beneficial. Those hoses can be very expensive, so it's a good idea to shop around. Some places will match Internet prices, but you have to ask. If they think you will do your business on the Internet, they may cut you a deal. In fact, if you have the time. Surplus Hydraulics, Northern Tools, and Baileys have the hoses, if you know the length and the type fittings. I am thinking that there is a spray to spray on those hoses kept outside, to cut down on UV rays that will eventually break down the rubber and cause cracking and deterioration. That lets water in and the steel starts to rust and you know the rest.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Thanks for all the great info. I am pretty sure I have a slow drip in my tunnel. Man, that did not sound good.. Hope everyone gets what I mean. Now the question is how to find which is the offending hose.

I kinda figured out what is going on with my PT. Its age is unknown. It is known that the engine was new in 2004 and then the tractor was set outside to rot with the new engine.

I am thinking that all of those seals and hoses have rotted away, and that it did not show up when PT went through the machine, but now with 40 hours on it the hoses and seals are starting to fail.

Kinda a big bummer as I would think PT would have known this and just replaced these cheap gaskets and such. But whatever, still have a great tractor at a good price...

Carl