Leaking couplings

[RJJR]

Ok, I'm going to have to show my inexperience and ask for help with my couplings. I asked for the flat face couplings to be removed since I didn't have a skid steer. The hoses came in as 1/4 inch and have 1/2 inch threads on them. I have 3/8 inch couplings so I went and bought the middle adapter you see in the picture. The problem is that it pours hydraulic fluid when I connected them and it is not coming around the treads on either coupling. It appears to be coming around the end of the coupling away from the threads (behind the 3rd nut on the coupling from the left in the picture at the top. I don't know how else to explain it. This pece will turn easily even with the threads tight. It lets the entire coupling turn. I don't think it has any kind of O ring in it. Did the guy give me the wrong coupling? I told them it was going on a grapple.

Thanks

 

[kthompson]

My quick thoughts, you don't have matching threads but you probably would have realize that. But if it is leaking from where I understand you need to remove the pipe tape as it is a machined fitting that is doing the sealing inside the swivel nut and not the threads. If a piece of the tape were to get between those two surfaces think it would leak. Also if you wrap the tape backwards it often peels off but will normally leak.

 

[John_in_TN]

Are those supposed to be new couplings? The male coupling appears to have a hole in its side - on the bottom in your photo.

 

[RJJR]

It looks worse than it is. It has some tarnish on it but it doesn't have a hole and its not leaking from the threads on either coupling. Its behind the nut between the couipling and the hose. Its the piece I had to add to make them mate properly. That piece has to be the problem since they are both leaking in the same place. No leaking...pouring. Do some have O rings and other not? It acts as if it doesn't have an O ring.
Thanks

 

[2458n]

In addition to being a adapter the fitting you purchased is a swivel. The full rotation is by design and will not go away with further wrenching. The tape may have bunched up allowing the leak. The China stamped on the fitting may mean that it could be in the manufacturing. Do they both leak? Are the fittings designed for pipe threads? If possible take the hose with the fittings back and make sure everything matches up together. We are near a Parker fluid store and there is few mistakes they have not seen or can not fix when given the parts to work with. Remember that the fluid when under pressure can be a danger.

 

[oldnslo]

Take the swivel connector off the end of the hose and then look at the two mating pieces. IF this is NPT (pipe thread) the swivel should have a 30 degree inverted flare in it. I.e. would be like looking at the top of an Indian tee pee.

The hose end MUST have the chamfer in it to match. If it doesn't it will leak.

If you still are unsure post some clear pictures of these two components since it sounds like you may have the wrong fittings.

Roy

 

[mpham]

I concur to what oldanslo says. It looks like the hose fitting end is not the right one to tighten up against the swivel fitting. They should have a ball and socket looking end on both. If you have it tight and it is still moving then it is not the correct ones. If it is tight because of the tape it wont seat down far enough.
Pictures of the hose end would be helpfull.

 

[RJJR]

Take the swivel connector off the end of the hose and then look at the two mating pieces. IF this is NPT (pipe thread) the swivel should have a 30 degree inverted flare in it. I.e. would be like looking at the top of an Indian tee pee.

The hose end MUST have the chamfer in it to match. If it doesn't it will leak.

If you still are unsure post some clear pictures of these two components since it sounds like you may have the wrong fittings.

Roy

Ok, I'll take better pictures tomorrow.
Thanks

 

[RJJR]

I concur to what oldanslo says. It looks like the hose fitting end is not the right one to tighten up against the swivel fitting. They should have a ball and socket looking end on both. If you have it tight and it is still moving then it is not the correct ones. If it is tight because of the tape it wont seat down far enough.
Pictures of the hose end would be helpfull.

I have the threaded part tight. It isn't leaking there on either coupling. The other nut on the conector coupling just spins and will not tighten so I'm assuming I have the wrong ones. It is leaking behind the nut that spins on both couplings so it has to be they are wrong. Don't think its a tape issue. More pics tomorrow after I take it back apart.
Thanks to everyone.

 

[Glen Watkins]

I concur to what oldanslo says. It looks like the hose fitting end is not the right one to tighten up against the swivel fitting. They should have a ball and socket looking end on both. If you have it tight and it is still moving then it is not the correct ones. If it is tight because of the tape it wont seat down far enough.
Pictures of the hose end would be helpfull.

Like they said!
You have the wrong type of fitting on the hose end.

 

[RJJR]

Like they said!
You have the wrong type of fitting on the hose end.

I appreciate the feedback. Any chance someone knows exactly what the name of the fitting is that I should ask for? I took the couplings to the dealership the first time but it didn't help.

 

[Glen Watkins]

I thought about this and cant you just get the right size coupling for the size hose you have? Take a hose off and bring it with you.Also you might want to bring both hoses with you and get them cut to fit with out any extra slack.

 

[RJJR]

I thought about this and cant you just get the right size coupling for the size hose you have? Take a hose off and bring it with you.

Well, I have a 3/8 hose and coupling on the tractor and a 1/4 inch hose and 1/2 inch threaded nipple on the grapple. The grapple didn't come with couplings becasue it is made for a skid steer and they only provide the flat faced couplings that will not work on my tractor. I'll look tomorrow but don't think the hose comes off of the grapple easily. I think it is pressed on at the grapple. Not screwed. I'll update tommorow with pics tomorow. It got dark on me tonight.
Thanks
RJ

 

[Mike_VT]

Are the fittings npt? Did you possibly over tighten and crack the coupler housing? I have seen that happen before, typically a hairline crack that is barely noticeable.

 

[RJJR]

No, not cracked just wrong. I'm not familair with the different styles which is most of the problem. Will strip it all down and start from scratch tomororw.
Thanks

 

[mpham]

Hope this works...
The end of the connection that is leaking needs to look like this rounded end so it tightens against the curved inner part of the other fitting.

You need to change the hose end or get a different adapter. One that is NPT rated on both sides. You don't need a swivel as the end will move on the connection o-ring anyway.

 

[Gizmo2]

Are the fittings npt? Did you possibly over tighten and crack the coupler housing? I have seen that happen before, typically a hairline crack that is barely noticeable.

Good point and often overlooked. Not saying this is the problem here but over the years over tightening has been my biggest issue with leaking hydraulics. Just sayin.

 

[Glen Watkins]

Nice job mpham!:thumbsup:

 

[JKUB]

RJJR,
As the others have stated the swivel fitting should be removed, it is what we call a JIC type fitting,not NPT. What you will need is a reducer that has NPT threads on both ends. The fitting you need would be a 1/2" Female NPT X 3/8" Male NPT, just make certain that the fitting you purchase is rated for the working pressure that your hydraulic system puts out. Hope this helps.

Jude

 

[evo803]

Also do yourself a favor and do not use teflon tape . If not used properly it will only cause problems. Use the paste form of sealant on the threads and only on pipe threads. Whenever possible use JIC type fittings they are alot less troublesome.