Hydraulic Fluid Leak Detention

1bush2hog · Nov 16, 2006

I have a slow leak that appears to be coming from where the banjo bolts connect the Hydro cooler hoses back to the pump underneath my NH TN75. I looked with a flashlight to try to trace the leak, but with the blowby from the drips it is difficult to tell exactly where the leak is coming from. It is leaking about a pint per month and leaks with or without pressure on the system. I put a pan underneath to catch the drips.

About all I could do was to wipe everything down and hope I can have better luck finding the leak when I go back up to my property. Hydro fluid on shiny black paint is tough for me to differentiate.

Is it possible that a gasket/washer between the bolt and banjo has gone bad? I put a wrench on the bolt as this was where the actual drip was, but it was already tight, but the leak looked like it could have been coming from this area.. Also, could not see anything above it leaking fresh fluid but there was dirt and fluid mixed that was stuck on some of these areas.

I have no new noises and the hydraulics seem to be functioning normal.

Are there any tricks or tips anyone can offer that can help in tracing leaks in this area? What about this stuff? Risk Reactor: Petroleum Tracer Concentrate

Hooked_on_HP · Nov 16, 2006

I haven't used that brand but have used other leak detector kits with verry good results. Check to see how much leak detector you need to add per qt. of oil. Some times it adds up to a lot of money.If I am looking for a leaking injector o-ring I make sure the fuel tank is almost empty.

TheKid · Nov 17, 2006

I've heard of folks using baby powder to find leaks. Degrease the area with some brake cleaner and then dry it off. Let it sit a little while to let any brake cleaner thats left evaporate. Then dust the area with the baby powder. When it starts to drip, you should be able to spot where it's leaking.

Opti-Mist · Nov 17, 2006

Banjo bolts typically incorporate an o-ring on both sides of the oil passage. Either one could be at fault, replace both. Tightening won't help.

1bush2hog · Nov 17, 2006

Dusting my babies bottom

I will probably try this and see how it works. At least it will smell good.

Michael_E_Tx · Nov 17, 2006

I'll join the silliness with a recommendation of Desenex athlete's foot spray powder.

Mike

sandman2234 · Nov 18, 2006

I had a similar problem with my Steiner, with leaking hoses. The unit was 10 years old, and all the hoses lay in a belly pan (about 10 of them) and the whole area was saturated with hydraulic oil. I saturated it with Dawn dishwashing liquid, and then hosed it down with a fire hydrant hose. After drying, I powdered it up, and found 4 leaking hoses.
David from jax