Need to replace hydraulic line but the connection won't budge

[kjhansen]

I have a 1984 Ford 1510 tractor and want to replace four of the hydraulic lines connecting to the front end loader as the rubber has worn off and the metal is rusting. But the connections won't budge. I'm using "wrench extenders" (metal pipes) to give me more leverage, but the nuts simply refuse to move even a little bit. First question: Which nuts do I turn? See attached pictures. Second question: If I am turning the right nuts and they just won't move, can I apply heat (propane torch) to the metal or is this a no-no on lines with hydraulic fluid in them? First pic is the line to the loader, second is line to the controller. Any help appreciated.

 

[oldnslo]

First picture hold the nut on the tube and then spin the hose off. Yes can use some heat but be careful on how much so don’t scorch the oil.

Second picture of quick disconnect the hose end should unscrew and again careful with heat.

 

[kneedeep]

Two correct size wrenches and busted knuckles, old stuff is aggravating.

 

[nyone]

Hit it with a hammer. On the tube ones I would stick another hammer between the line and loader frame.

 

[TractorTech]

Welcome to TBN!

You want to support the 'holding' wrench somehow, whether with a wedge of wood or something else and smack the turning wrench with a hammer to give it a jolt. Heating the joint and cooling the joint several times will help loosen it.

With the quick coupler in the second picture, if you have the tractor near a vise, disconnect the hose, put the quick coupler in a vise and loosen that way.

 

[bigtiller]

A set of flare nut wrenches may help prevent any damage.

 

[not2old]

A set of flare nut wrenches may help prevent any damage.

If you can't find a flare nut wrench in the correct size, it's easy to make your own from a box end, but finding a six point box end may be another exercise in frustration. In a pinch, I've resorted to enlarging a wrench that is a bit too small and making sure it fits with no slop.

 

[Harry in Ky]

Call a mechanic. If he's any good he'll have the necessary tools.

 

[Fallon]

Heating a sealed container can be dangerous. If you can crack that line anywhere between the valve & cylinder it's no longer sealed though. Charing things on the inside will not be good for contaminating the system. Heat then later cleaning the tubing may be your only option.

 

[4570Man]

Hold the red fitting and loosen the blue one. It’s my last ditch option but I have cut the hoses off before and put a socket and impact on the fittings before.