Question regarding assembling an hydraulic gauge with a quick connect

[SylvainG]

So I want to build myself a quick connect hydraulic gauge using this gauge, this fitting and this quick connect. Is there anything special that needs to be done when mating brass and steel?

Thanks

 

[dstig1]

You really need a T fitting in most cases so you measure what is going on without seriously disturbing the flow. Otherwise you are dead-heading the hydraulics into the gage here and that is probably not what you want.

I could be misunderstanding what it is you want to do...

 

[Seven Gables]

Just to answer your question I'd use some brush on Teflon pipe sealant on the threads and should be fine

 

[WranglerX]

Might look here for complete made up assembly instead of piece parting somethin together....

And its probable alright to connect in to any "quick connect" port and deadhead the gauge for long enough to get a reading.... After all you are trying to see where pressure relief valve is set on system...

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[Xfaxman]

I also recommend a T fitting. You can also test operating pressure with it.

This is mine:

 

[SylvainG]

I ended up doing this. I added hoses because some quick connects are tight to move (specially those for the loader) and the length of the assembly (T + quick connects) might make it difficult to connect. Adding the hoses will, hopefully, give me some versatility.

I imagine I'll have to bleed the air before it can actually be used. I'm thinking of either running the cylinders a few times until all the air is pushed back to the tank, or connecting only the input side, run the engine, turn it off, put a rag over the unconnected end, wear gloves and press the ball inside the quick connect against something to relieve the air until oils comes out. Does this seem stupid?

PS. I didn't buy caps because I plan on interconnecting both ends when not in used.

 

[SylvainG]

Hi, I'm about to connect what is shown in the previous post to check the pressure of my hydraulic system. It's my first time doing something like that so I'm not really sure how to proceed. Currently, all there is in those hoses is air. What should I do to purge that air from the system? Do I need to prefill the hose with hydraulic fluid before connecting, or simply connect the gauge in line and move that cylinder in/out until the air has made its way back into the tank? Is there another method?

Thanks.

 

[daman1]

So I want to build myself a quick connect hydraulic gauge using this gauge, this fitting and this quick connect. Is there anything special that needs to be done when mating brass and steel?

Thanks

Besides adding some thread sealer you don't need anything more then what you have posted that will work good, we use that set up in the shop daily for years works fine.

Don't worry about the air.

 

[WranglerX]

Hi, I'm about to connect what is shown in the previous post to check the pressure of my hydraulic system. It's my first time doing something like that so I'm not really sure how to proceed. Currently, all there is in those hoses is air. What should I do to purge that air from the system? Do I need to prefill the hose with hydraulic fluid before connecting, or simply connect the gauge in line and move that cylinder in/out until the air has made its way back into the tank? Is there another method?

Thanks.

General procedure when replacing hydraulic hoses, should work to bleed air from test gauge/line...

Dale

 

[daman1]

Most systems are self bleeding these days, we never bleed anything when replacing a blown hose(12" to 30')

just cycle the cylinder many times.

 

[SylvainG]

By 'these days', what do you mean? My tractor is 10 years old. Is it considered within 'these days'?

 

[jonsstihl]

don't worry about the air in the hose it will compress and won't affect your hydraulic pressure readings.

 

[SylvainG]

The gauge is 'in-line' and not 'dead-end' so whatever air is in the hoses will get to the main hydraulic system IMHO.

Won't it mix with the hydraulic fluid, which is not recommended?

"Cavitation, on the other hand, is the formation of gas bubbles that create vapor cavities in a liquid. It occurs when the gas bubbles in the liquid are subjected to rapid changes of pressure. This higher pressure causes the air bubbles to implode, which generates an intense miniature water hammer (shock wave). This shock wave creates significant wear as the gas bubbles implode on or near a metal surface, causing cyclic stresses through repeated implosions."

 

[SylvainG]

How much torque can you apply to 1/2" quick release threads before you strip the thread or split the fitting in half (can it be done?). I've screwed them in pretty tight pour they still slowly leaks. I'm afraid of splitting the T fitting in half or stripping the threads by applying to much torque.

 

[Xfaxman]

What thread sealant did you use?

 

[SylvainG]

None. I read that NTPF do not require sealant.

 

[daman1]

None. I read that NTPF do not require sealant.

Technically no but I always do, I hate redos.

 

[Xfaxman]

That is true, but in this case maybe the mating threads at the T are NPT which requires a sealant.

Is it leaking at the other end of the hoses?

 

[WranglerX]

You can use PTFE (teflon tape) sealant or a high pressure, oil certified "pipe dope" to assist in tightening threaded connections.... Most sealant are miss labeled as a sealer when the are really a thread lubricate which allows more torque to be applied, there for meshing threads tighter preventing leaks.... The only place you don't use PTFE tape or pipe dope is on connections with straight threads, the general have internal sealing surfaces, which NPT (tapered) do not...

Since I have very poor success with PTFE tape and its not really recommended because it can separate and clog filters and strainers, I use a pipe dope....

This stuff and anti-seize compounds have made my life so much easier around the property....

 

[SylvainG]

That is true, but in this case maybe the mating threads at the T are NPT which requires a sealant.

Is it leaking at the other end of the hoses?

No, just the T so that could be it.