leaky fitting for FEL

Scratchnbell · Jun 6, 2005

I have a TC40 D with the 17 FEL. One of the fittings is leaking on the right side of the loader where it connects to the tractor.
It is the bottom most connector where the flexible line connects to the rigid line. I think it is on the rigid side and needs to be tightened.
My question is how do you get a wrench in there and does anyone know the proceedure?
Along these some lines one of those rigid tubes is very rusted is that ok or should it be replaced?
Thanks
BOb

jinman · Jun 6, 2005

It's a tight spot and you have to use two wrenches to tighten the quick-connect. If you don't use a wrench to hold the connection while you tighten the quick-connect, there's a chance you will twist the hydraulic line. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, I'd recommend finding someone who is knowledgable or just wait until you have it serviced at the dealership. If it's a tiny leak, you won't lose much fluid.

If the plating has been scratched or scraped, the hydraulic lines can rust. I would not worry about it because the hydraulic lines are very thick. Hoses are much more likely to fail than the metal hydraulic lines.

have_blue · Jun 6, 2005

I had the same problem, only 3 of 4 were leaking. Fixed the worst one myself, and decided not to worry about the "minor" leaks that dripped a few drops a day. WRONG! It made such a big mudball on my fittings, hoses, and engine it was a big headache. I made the dealer fix the other 2.

I used 2 wrenches and 2 hammers to break my fittings loose. I had to use 1 hammer as an anvil and tapped the fitting lightly with the other util it loosened. If I haden't tapped it, it may still be on there today. It looked like a sheared O-ring or cheap rubber that deformed causing the leak. Dunno! <shrug>

I may be wrong, but the fittings looked pretty low quality to me. The one I got at the parts counter looked to be better made, and made from harder metal. The wrench didn't deform the flats easily like the originals.

What a relief to have a clean floor and no mudball!

jinman · Jun 6, 2005

( It made such a big mudball on my fittings, hoses, and engine it was a big headache. I made the dealer fix the other 2.
)

Yep, it doesn't take much oil to make the fittings grow a dirt beard. The good news is that as long as the oil is fresh, a little SuperClean and a hard blast of water will clean them off. I try to give my tractor a good once-over about every month and it seems to clean up pretty well. Heck! It wouldn't be a tractor if it didn't have a little dirt on it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Scratchnbell · Jun 7, 2005

is tephlon tape needed on the threaded connectors?
Also does the system need to bleed off pressure before I can work on it? If so how is that done?
Bob

jinman · Jun 7, 2005

( is tephlon tape needed on the threaded connectors?
Also does the system need to bleed off pressure before I can work on it? If so how is that done?
)

If the connection is tight and still leaks, you may have to use thread sealer or teflon tape. If you use tape, be very careful and don't get any tiny pieces inside the hydraulic line. I usually wrap it after the first thread to be sure.

If you shut off your tractor and wiggle the joystick, all pressure will be relieved. You'll lose a little fluid, but it won't be under pressure.

Scratchnbell · Jun 9, 2005

Ok. I got into it a little bit yesterday. It looks like it is leaking from the quick connect. Can that little O ring be replaced or does the whole fitting get replaced?
Bob

jinman · Jun 9, 2005

I believe you can replace the o-ring, but I've never had a leaky quick-connect, so someone else may be able to answer this better. You could also give a call to your dealer's service manager. He would surely know about the o-ring.