hydraulics. any rules of the thumb? do or don'ts?

[Jabonee]

Hydraulics can be dangerous and expensive. Best advice or rule of thumb is call your dealer. I have customers all the time trying to make repairs. When they come in to buy certain parts that I know they will struggle with or be dangerous if not installed properly I tell them "you can pay me now or pay me later but later is usually more expensive"

 

[CJONE]

There shouldn't be any problem using black pipe fittings on tank return lines or suction lines. The elbows have less restriction than high pressure hydraulic fittings.

Correct, and just like you stated it is preferred over high pressure fittings in the return system AND suction side. CJ

 

[jaydee325]

Besides the safety measures mentioned, the key word is cleanliness. Contaminates in a hydraulic system is expensive.

When I was a heavy equipment tech, I replaced $10,000 hydraulic pumps that the swash plates were done in by a single grain of dirt!

 

[otlski]

Use alternative fittings instead of NPT whenever given the choice.

If using NPT do not over tighten; they have specific torque targets to hit.

Use Loctite Hydraulic sealer on fittings. Expensive but takes the frustration out for beginners.

If using the sliding collar quick connects, put a heavy duty tie-wrap behind the collar so it cannot accidentally catch on a stick and slide back. If it accidentally disconnects you can damage the system.

 

[otlski]

double post

 

[newbury]

<snip>
If using the sliding collar quick connects, put a heavy duty tie-wrap behind the collar so it cannot accidentally catch on a stick and slide back. If it accidentally disconnects you can damage the system.

Now that's a good tip!