Re: Maybe a Step \'Backwards\', But Handy?
This problem has been around for a while. Hydraulic lock, which is to much pressure on the quick connect to disconnect or connect. With the pump running , you will probably not be able to disconnect, unless you install the disconnect under pressure couplers as mentioned by someone. It is a good idea to install male and female quick disconnects on the machine, and all attachments. You then couple the unused lines together, for several reasons. First one is to equalize pressure in the two lines. The second one is to keep the quick connects coupled to help keep them clean. Heat poses another problem. If you couple two lines from a cylinder together, heat may build up enough pressure to prevent you from disconnecting. Even if the two lines are left uncoupled, heat buildup may prevent you from coupling. You then have to relieve the pressure by tapping the ball inside the coupler, or unscrew the coupler fitting. Another situation may also occur, and that is, if you unplug the disconnects and they are pointing up, the coupler may fill with water, and when the cylinder cools, a vacuum is created and can suck that water into the line, and then you will have to deal with that. I believe there are two solutions that may help. The disconnect under pressure couplers will work, but is expensive. The other way is to install a high pressure shut of valve into a tee and relieve the pressure. You would only lose a small amount of fluid. This way, you would not have to tap the ball inside the coupler, or unscrew the fitting. These valves are around $15 to $35 bucks. They have to be high pressure, 3000 psi or better. Similar to this one.
