Pinhole leak in hydraulic line on backhoe. There a clamp or sleeve fix?

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Same thing happened on my Woods backhoe a couple weeks ago. I just ordered a new one from Discount Hydraulic Hose, it was 127" with 3/8 JIC fittings. It's a better, higher pressure hose about $64 with shipping.
My opinion is it's much better than trying a patch.

 

[DJ54]

I have a buddy who is an aircraft tech. He told me they repair leaks in aircraft steel hydraulic lines by cleaning up where a pinhole is back a couple inches from the pinhole, then wrap with bare mechanics wire, then silver solder it. I've looked for videos on this procedure but have yet to find any info on it.

I have a line on my Bobcat that has rubbed enough it also has a pinhole in it. I'm about a half notion to try this type of repair. If it doesn't work, I have a local hydraulic shop that does make new metal lines but have no idea of cost. And the guy that makes them only does it a couple days a week, so I'd have to call ahead and see when he is available to make on.

I already took it off once and took it to them, and at that time he was on vacation. Didn't have the wire or solder to attempt it at the time so put it back on. Not the easiest place to get to for an old guy, but things have slowed since it's coming wintertime, and have a little extra time to work in the shop.

 

[RayIN]

There is a "Hosepatch", but its more for emergency use until you can go get a new hose, I remember coming across this one a few months ago and filed it away...
Not cheap but its reusable. Someone may know of a cheaper one time use product.

Amazon.com

NOTE: there are different sizes - this link takes you right to the 1/4" size....

That kit requires the hose be completely cut for use, it's not a "patch".

 

[5030]

Seems most of the reviews are from getting a free product. How do I get a free product?

Tell them you relocated from China and they will send it to you....lol

 

[LouNY]

Go an hydraulic shop or any other place that makes hoses with the old hose, get a new one made and don't worry about it.

Cost me $12 or $13 and 10 minutes to get a new hose made just the other day.

I wish we could get lines for those prices, a couple of 3/4" 4 footers are over $70 each from the local shops.

 

[ptsg]

I wish we could get lines for those prices, a couple of 3/4" 4 footers are over $70 each from the local shops.

To be fair, it was a short 3/8" 2 wire hose, 50cm long or so, with straight male DKOL-12L fittings.

When I built my loader, I bought all the hoses and fittings from a place in the UK. 12 3/8" hoses, all 2 wire, various fittings and quick disconnects, was about $200 or so.

 

[LouNY]

To be fair, it was a short 3/8" 2 wire hose, 50cm long or so, with straight male DKOL-12L fittings.

When I built my loader, I bought all the hoses and fittings from a place in the UK. 12 3/8" hoses, all 2 wire, various fittings and quick disconnects, was about $200 or so.

I've got an inventory built up of 3/8 and 1/2's but no 3/4's, 20-30 different hoses on had and several hundred dollars in fittings but it seems like many times I need something else. I'll often buy more then needed just to have one.

 

[etpm]

I have a buddy who is an aircraft tech. He told me they repair leaks in aircraft steel hydraulic lines by cleaning up where a pinhole is back a couple inches from the pinhole, then wrap with bare mechanics wire, then silver solder it. I've looked for videos on this procedure but have yet to find any info on it.

I have a line on my Bobcat that has rubbed enough it also has a pinhole in it. I'm about a half notion to try this type of repair. If it doesn't work, I have a local hydraulic shop that does make new metal lines but have no idea of cost. And the guy that makes them only does it a couple days a week, so I'd have to call ahead and see when he is available to make on.

I already took it off once and took it to them, and at that time he was on vacation. Didn't have the wire or solder to attempt it at the time so put it back on. Not the easiest place to get to for an old guy, but things have slowed since it's coming wintertime, and have a little extra time to work in the shop.

I can see this working very well. You wouldn't need to wrap wire two inches on either side of the leak, just clean it that far. If you attempt this I suggest wrapping wire perhaps only a 1/4 inch or so from the leak. Maybe 3/8. Flux the tube and wire very well and wrap tightly. Then do the silver solder. Make sure ALL the wire, all the way around tube gets soldered.
Eric

 

[Harry in Ky]

My experience, a GOOD hose supplier won't crimp new fittings on an old hose. If that's your plan, it's your plan. Not something I would nor recommend. As for the reusable fittings, unless the removing the bad hose is a three day job, using them as a "temporary" fix is a waste time and money. Have a new hose made and be done with it.

 

[DJ54]

I can see this working very well. You wouldn't need to wrap wire two inches on either side of the leak, just clean it that far. If you attempt this I suggest wrapping wire perhaps only a 1/4 inch or so from the leak. Maybe 3/8. Flux the tube and wire very well and wrap tightly. Then do the silver solder. Make sure ALL the wire, all the way around tube gets soldered.
Eric

Guess I was envisioning what I need to repair with what he said. Line on mine has rubbed an area about 3/4" long, so will buff a couple inches all together, not necessarily wrap wire for the 2". Wrapping/soldering seems easy enough to do, just not looking forward to pulling that line out.

 

[Egon]

If it’s a hose replace it.

 

[big bubba]

on the safety issue, those hyd leaks can be extremely dangerous. the pressure can either blind you or easily pierce skin & cause internal havoc. good luck

 

[oosik]

I don't remember why but had a couple hoses leak on my first tractor. In Spokane there is a business. House of Hose. They handle everything hydraulic. They WOULD NOT make any type of repair on the old hoses. Two new hoses and appropriate ends - $35.

 

[hayden]

Those reusable fittings typically are only designed for use with a particular brand/model of hose, so beware & check carefully.

Also, most hose shops will not put fittings on used hose.

I would just proceed to replace the hose, and try to protect it more carefully this time.

 

[oosik]

This is how I protect all my hydraulic hoses. On the 3-point and FEL. It's a heavy duty spiral wound nylon cover. It's a real bugger to get started but then it goes on pretty easy.

 

[RayIN]

How do you plan to protect the inner liner from heat damage?

 

[rScotty]

Maybe I missed it, but is this a pressure line to the backhoe or a return line from backhoe to the sump? It's common for manufacturers to use the same hydraulic hose and fittings for both type lines, so they look the same.
But whether, how. and what to expect from a repair is very different in a pressure line vs a return line.

 

[oosik]

I run the hydraulic fluid thru the psyonic infraion reduction cooler.

 

[Woodsman603]

Ok, I'll get new lines made up.

I just didn't know if there was such thing has a patch or clamp or something.

Thanks all.

 

[kneedeep]

Woods9000 on my L3710. There's a pinhole leak on one of the lines. Its one of the longest lines on the setup too. No idea how the pinhole got there, but its away from all mounting surfaces, bends, couplings, or anything. Right on the "straightaway" on the line. Easy access, right there.

Is there a clamp, sleeve, or something else that would hold up? Sure, I can replace the entire line, but the fact its dead nuts on a straight portion of the line and wide open access, makes me wonder if there is something else that can be done before I rip the whole thing out.

Thanks.

If it is in good condition, do an inline splice at the leak.
Once hoses start leaking, it won’t get better.