Leaky quick-connect... common? What to do?

[colestin]

I, a true tractor newbie, have been using my new Branson 3510 and one of the hydraulic quick-release fittings for the FEL is leaking. It is one of the connectors right at the controller, and it leaks onto the floor mat pretty badly. I will call my dealer on Monday, but maybe I can learn something before that. Tomorrow I will check the o-ring for damage, and check the hydro fluid level.

I am such a newbie that I just took the backhoe off and haven't got the TPH figgered out yet. I may prevail on the local experts (that's you guys) as I attempt to attach a box scraper.

What would you do if you had a leaky quick-connect?

 

[mikeyatease]

I had the same problem, exactly the same. I unplugged all four connectors at the FEL joystick, inspected them, wiped them off, and plugged them back in. They reseated themselves such that the leak stopped.

 

[LGinIA]

I had a similar leak at the controller box. What I did was to relieve the hydraulic pressure by moving the FEL joystick around (engine off) and removed the connector. Inspected for O ring damage, applied a wrap of plumbers thread tape (only enough to cover, no excess) and reinserted the connector. Carefully tightened and reconnected. Hooked the FEL hose back up, started engine and this repair eliminated the leak. Remember to relieve the hydraulic pressure before you attempt any repair. Since it sounds like your tractor is new, let the dealer handle for adjustment. Good luck.

 

[CFHartman]

Be Very Careful using teflon tape Pipe Dope on oil systems. Where I work we have found teflon tape in orfices that pluged up the system.
Charlie

 

[44trxfun]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Be Very Careful using teflon tape Pipe Dope on oil systems. Where I work we have found teflon tape in orfices that pluged up the system.)</font>

My dealer's mechnanic advised liquid teflon--the paste version. He recommended coating the threads, letting it sit about an hour, then reconnecting. As I recall my leak was between the hose and the quick couple also. Good luck

 

[PineRidge]

We have used liquid Teflon more than a couple of times for hydraulic fittings but weren't impressed. It just never seemed to tack as well as a product called Leak Lock. Alcohol is used as a solvent to make Leak Lock go on the fitting like toothpaste but within about 30 to 60 seconds it starts to firm up and it really seals connections nicely. Leak Lock is a regular fixture around here.

 

[stuart]

Pineridge: When you use the liquid teflon and it hardens can you remove the quick connects and reinstall them as needed?

 

[PineRidge]

Stuart the thread sealing compound mentioned is for the threaded portion of the quick disconnects. We are not recommending these sealants be used where the male/female quick connects mate. That is strictly a o-ring seal.

 

[stuart]

Thank you for clearing that up in my mind.

 

[Red_rider]

I experienced the very same problem after about 6 hours use on my 3510. I tried all of the things I could think of - disconnect and check for debris, clean the connectors, etc. - and ended up going to the dealer for a new quick connect. Took less than 5 minutes to replace and didn't cost me anything except a little of my time. 35 hours later and no leaks. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif