Pipe Thread Adapters

[TractorGuy]

I am changing cylinders on a loader with generic cylinders. I also need to replace all the hoses and add a third function selector valve.

I am considering the use of adapters so I can go with off the shelf hoses that come with male NPT ends. Am I setting myself up for leaks?

 

[kthompson]

If you are using proper fittings and hyd thread sealant where the threads do the sealing, should be fine.

 

[mrmikey]

I respectfully disagree with kthompson. If you have a choice and are good with the added expense, JIC are a better idea as they're less prone to leaks. .......Mike

 

[mikester]

I am changing cylinders on a loader with generic cylinders. I also need to replace all the hoses and add a third function selector valve.

I am considering the use of adapters so I can go with off the shelf hoses that come with male NPT ends. Am I setting myself up for leaks?

I wouldn't worry about leakage.

You might have clearance issues trying to adapt the OEM hydraulic lines to the new cylinders...the adapters will make things stick out further and more prone to accidental breakage from tree branches etc. The ports might not be in the same/correct position as well.

 

[WranglerX]

I suggest using something like Locktite 545 thread sealer and not PTFE (teflon) tape.... Teflon tape can shred and flake off and gum up filters and valves and pumps.... Might also look at other brands like Permatex for thread sealers specifically for hydraulics...

Just so you know from my experience every time I have tried to use PTFE tape it been a disaster and always revert to some sort of liquid or paste pipe dope or sealer..... And PTFE tape is not technically a sealer, its a thread lubricant that allows you to just tighten threaded fitting to get better tread engagement ( actually to point of distortion and causing fitting to need replacing)...

But adapter are fine if assembly is done correctly and with care.... Custom made hoses with proper fitting for cylinders can usually be easily obtained if you have local shop that does hydraulic work.... Might be better than trying to buy adapters and generic hoses online...

Dale

 

[TractorGuy]

The original cylinders have size 6 ORB to size 6 ORFS adapters exiting the side of the cylinders. The new cylinders come with size 6 ORB ports that exit the top or bottom depending on how I install them. I'm normally don't worry about the pipe thread seal but I think I may have to use swivel adapters on this. I don't have any experience with the swivel pipe thread adapters.

On pipe threads for an oil or fuel connection I usually put a dab of aviation permatex on the treads. They may be a bugger to get loose later but they won't leak at the threads.

I am planning to install the lift cylinders with the ports on the bottom and the curl cylinders with the ports on the top. It looks like they should have plenty of clearance with that positioning.

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

Cylinder should be easy since you are replacing the hose too. Just use a ORB to JIC fitting. They are common. I assume a 90 elbow in this application. Then, JIC ends on the hose. Third function valve is likely NPT, so NPT to JIC there.

 

[TractorGuy]

Cylinder should be easy since you are replacing the hose too. Just use a ORB to JIC fitting. They are common. I assume a 90 elbow in this application. Then, JIC ends on the hose. Third function valve is likely NPT, so NPT to JIC there.

Third function valve has #8 ORB and cylinders are #6 ORB.

My reason for changing is wanting to use the hoses sold at TS with NPT ends. I see no reason or advantage to switch to JIC.

If I make hoses I will stick with the ORB to ORFS adapters since that comes standard on my JD and New Holland. Both tractors use ORB to ORFS adapters. The only leak I have ever had at a fitting on either is one of the ORB connections on my backhoe. That one fitting has a tendency to come loose and start weeping so I just tighten it up. Come to think of it that one hasn't leaked in months so I guess I finally got it seated good.

My main concern is the reliability of the swivel type NPT adapters.

Edit: Just realized I'm over thinking it. Since I will use the existing hard lines I HAVE to have an ORFS on one end. That should negate the need for a swivel NPT end.

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

Hydraulics Direct | Online Hydraulics Store has ORFS to JIC adapters. Surplus center has JIC hoses in pretty much any length you need.

I don't think you can get NPT adapters with swivel. Hose ends, sure, but the swivel isn't in the NPT feature, so that has no relevance. If a hose needs to swivel after assembly, hose end really doesn't matter.

 

[TractorGuy]

After all the procrastination I am not finding the adapter I need for the pipe end anyway. To go NPT I would need a #6 ORFS female to 3/8" NPT female 90. I don't want to start sticking adapters on top of adapters.