How do they make Aluminum Valve blocks

[woodlandfarms]

So, this is kind of stupid but I am trying to figure out how these blocks work...

Do they just drill out an cube of aluminum, so that various holes intersect with other holes? Or are they cast aluminum? I am still working on my PTO issue and am just trying to visualize what happens within the PTO Block (or any of the others for that matter)

Carl

 

[J_J]

So, this is kind of stupid but I am trying to figure out how these blocks work...

Do they just drill out an cube of aluminum, so that various holes intersect with other holes? Or are they cast aluminum? I am still working on my PTO issue and am just trying to visualize what happens within the PTO Block (or any of the others for that matter)

Carl

Carl,


I believe that most of them are drilled out by a CNC machine to perform a certain function. Some of the plain manifold blocks just collect fluid from various sources. In some, you can have a relief valve doing it's job, and you also have something like a shuttle valve built in, to route the fluid in an IF/OR situation. The PT has some if not all kinds of blocks. Some manifolds are two ports and some are as much as 10 ports, in various sizes. Aluminum is not that strong in a small volume. You could not have aluminum fittings on say 3000 psi, but in a large block, you have the strength required.

In the PTO block, the output port is closed off by the solenoid valve, and the fluid goes to tank. and of course, when you activate the PTO switch, the fluid is sent out to the hydraulic motor and then back to tank.

 

[ponytug]

Plus, in small volumes, it is way cheaper than designing a manifold, getting it cast, and verifying that it holds up under vibration and real world abuse.

You use aluminum because it is easy to machine and cheap.

You could use brass, which is easy to machine but it is much more expensive.

Or you could use steel which is much harder, takes longer to machine, and more expensive, and it wears out your tools faster.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Carl, yes, they drill out a block of aluminum. Then they machine the threads for the fittings to screw into. You usually see plugs on these manifolds. That's because they have to drill passages for the oil to flow. After drilling, they simply install a plug. The aluminum manifold is the same theory as a valve. But, you can install an electric valve (solenoid valve) and you can work it electrically instead of manually. They also place all sorts of fun stuff in these. Relief valves, check valves, pressure test ports, etc.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Thanks guys. So there are no "hidden" passageways.

And then to the next question. Could I put my hydraulic pressure guage in one of these closed up ports. I guess it would depend on which one, wouldn't it...

Carl

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Yes, you could put a gauge in one of these ports. But, you have to know which one. It would be much easier to get a street run tee fitting, remove the hose, install the tee fitting, and hook up a gauge to one leg of the tee. You could put together a nice little gauge set for well under a hundred bucks. If you own a PT, you might want to seriously consider it. I've posted it elsewhere, but I'll list a gauge set that should cover most of your needs. Hopefully JJ or MossRoad will add anything I don't list that you may need for a PT.

Gauge, liquid filled, 0-3,000psi
Adapter to gauge, -4 female NPT X -6 female JIC
Street run tee fittings, -4 JIC, -6 JIC, -8 JIC
Adapter for -4 tee fitting to gauge, -4 female JIC X -6 male JIC.
Adapter for -8 tee fitting to gauge, -8 female JIC X -6 male JIC.
2' of -6 hose, 2 wire, -6 JIC female X -6 JIC male. This goes between the tee fitting and the gauge, just makes it easier if your tee fitting is in a bad spot. Depending on where this stuff is on the PT, you may want to increase the length of this hose.

 

[ponytug]

Dear Carl,

I think we should listen to Wayne. (And J.J. who has suggested this numerous times, with the addition of some Q/A fittings so that you could move your guage around.)

The key here is putting your Tee on the right hose, which means (gasp!) tracing out the hydraulics...

All the best,

Peter

Yes, you could put a gauge in one of these ports. But, you have to know which one. It would be much easier to get a street run tee fitting, remove the hose, install the tee fitting, and hook up a gauge to one leg of the tee. You could put together a nice little gauge set for well under a hundred bucks. If you own a PT, you might want to seriously consider it. I've posted it elsewhere, but I'll list a gauge set that should cover most of your needs. Hopefully JJ or MossRoad will add anything I don't list that you may need for a PT.

Gauge, liquid filled, 0-3,000psi
Adapter to gauge, -4 female NPT X -6 female JIC
Street run tee fittings, -4 JIC, -6 JIC, -8 JIC
Adapter for -4 tee fitting to gauge, -4 female JIC X -6 male JIC.
Adapter for -8 tee fitting to gauge, -8 female JIC X -6 male JIC.
2' of -6 hose, 2 wire, -6 JIC female X -6 JIC male. This goes between the tee fitting and the gauge, just makes it easier if your tee fitting is in a bad spot. Depending on where this stuff is on the PT, you may want to increase the length of this hose.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Yes, indeed. I am going to build up one of these guages when I return.

At the moment I am diagnosing a PTO issue. I think it is hose related, but I have not had a chance to look. The other night I began thinking that maybe something was obstructing the aluminum block. I was wondering if there where secret passages, or if they were all pretty obvious (Secret that only Casting could create).

Carl

 

[J_J]

Yes, you could put a gauge in one of these ports. But, you have to know which one. It would be much easier to get a street run tee fitting, remove the hose, install the tee fitting, and hook up a gauge to one leg of the tee. You could put together a nice little gauge set for well under a hundred bucks. If you own a PT, you might want to seriously consider it. I've posted it elsewhere, but I'll list a gauge set that should cover most of your needs. Hopefully JJ or MossRoad will add anything I don't list that you may need for a PT.

Gauge, liquid filled, 0-3,000psi
Adapter to gauge, -4 female NPT X -6 female JIC
Street run tee fittings, -4 JIC, -6 JIC, -8 JIC
Adapter for -4 tee fitting to gauge, -4 female JIC X -6 male JIC.
Adapter for -8 tee fitting to gauge, -8 female JIC X -6 male JIC.
2' of -6 hose, 2 wire, -6 JIC female X -6 JIC male. This goes between the tee fitting and the gauge, just makes it easier if your tee fitting is in a bad spot. Depending on where this stuff is on the PT, you may want to increase the length of this hose.

Actually, all three gages could be mounted on the front console. All three sources are up front. Steering and lift circuits at the joystick valve. PTO valve front section, and manifold for the front wheel motors. I believe the brake temder also has a gage, but I am not sure exactly what it reads, or what circuit it is in.

Are there any English majors out there, if so, in what context do you use gage, and or gauge.? I tend to use gage, when talking about a device.

 

[ponytug]

I'm not an english major, but I love words.

According to The Columbia Guide to Standard American English, " ...Gage is a variant of gauge, but apparently in dwindling use..."
The Oxford English Dictionary states that gage can mean gauge, gayge, gadge, or guage.
They then define gage specifically to mean;
"Something of value deposited to ensure the performance of an action." , or a symbol e.g a glove thrown down as a pledge of challenge. Alternatively, wages.

So, they are mostly equivalent unless you are duelling, but guage is the probably the preferred version otherwise.

I love tracking words down. Thanks!

All the best,

Peter

Actually, all three gages could be mounted on the front console. All three sources are up front. Steering and lift circuits at the joystick valve. PTO valve front section, and manifold for the front wheel motors. I believe the brake temder also has a gage, but I am not sure exactly what it reads, or what circuit it is in.

Are there any English majors out there, if so, in what context do you use gage, and or gauge.? I tend to use gage, when talking about a device.