Covers for quick connects

[Dan Hunter]

Are there any alternative to the soft quick connect covers?

I'm largely fine with the male plugs but the female ones don't stay on once they get some fluid on them. I've tried zip tying them in place but they still come off at times and I'm burning through zip ties.

I'm considering buying connectors, disabling them to they don't allow fluid to pass, and capping them so I know they'll stay covered.

 

[oldballs]

On my B2620, when the FEL is taken off, I use 2''x2'' square pieces of the Mrs kitchen tin foil. I place them sort of in line with the male, then push the female cover over the connection. They hold perfectly but need replacing each time the FEL is remounted/disconnected. It works for me.

 

[Kaliburz]

The foil sounds like a great idea. Might have to try it.

I know what ya mean about the "female" covers for the male hose ends. Some stay, others don't......

 

[timster2]

A section of the kids old bicycle tube and a couple of zip tie keeps either side clean. They do make reusable zip ties that work great for this application. HF did sell them at one point, however, I haven't seen them for a while but they are available elsewhere.

 

[aczlan]

Are there any alternative to the soft quick connect covers?
I'm largely fine with the male plugs but the female ones don't stay on once they get some fluid on them. I've tried zip tying them in place but they still come off at times and I'm burning through zip ties.
I'm considering buying connectors, disabling them to they don't allow fluid to pass, and capping them so I know they'll stay covered.

Put a medium (1/4" wide) zip tie around the cover in the first 1/2" (like a belt or the drawstring on a bag) while its on the connector and tighten it till its snug, then cut off the extra "tail" from the zip tie. That will tighten it up and help it stay on.

Aaron Z

 

[npalen]

Seems like some kind of rolled-up/roll-on reusable synthetic device waiting to be invented here.

 

[Leejohn]

There are metal one to be had. Not for sure but maybe parker. I don't know if I still have the package mine can in, I'll check and if I do I well post the name.

 

[Dan Hunter]

Like these?

Parker - 3000 SERIES DUST CAPS AND PLUGS - NA

 

[Sysop]

Similar to a couple here. Slice a bicycle inner tube into sections of tube about 6 inches long. Use a bit of rubber cement to close off one end and slide them over the connector like a sock. A strip of industrial Velcro line tie makes for a reusable ziptie and holds them on well (cheap on ebay). Dab of rubber cement can hold the Velcro strap to the rubber sock too so everything stays together (I generally hang them on the lines while not in use so they're handy as soon as I disconnect my implements).

 

[Leejohn]

Thats something like the ones I have, mine are 1/2". I wonder why parker didn't show the 1/2" ones? They stay on real good.

 

[aczlan]

Put a medium (1/4" wide) zip tie around the cover in the first 1/2" (like a belt or the drawstring on a bag) while its on the connector and tighten it till its snug, then cut off the extra "tail" from the zip tie. That will tighten it up and help it stay on.

Was out hooking up the mower conditioner yesterday and thought that I would take a picture of what I am talking about:


Aaron Z

 

[Dan Hunter]

Thanks, I'm going with that until I find something made of metal.

 

[Dan Hunter]

Ok, Aaron, you're a genius. I used white zip ties so I could see if they were moving. I found that if I tightened the zip tie as much as I could with the cover over the hydraulic end, remove the cover and then tighten the zip tie by two more clicks, it did a great job coming on and off and transitioned into a positive index. I'm completely happy with this result.

 

[aczlan]

Glad it worked for you. I bought a half dozen new covers and was unhappy then they started falling off in 6 months. The zip ties have been working well for several years now in some cases.

Aaron Z

 

[amanda11270]

They must not make them like they used to, because my Bolens has eight of them, and they never come off or out. I think they must be 30 years old.

 

[Leejohn]

Try putting a small hole in the end with a nail so they let off any pressure. It doesn't take much of a leakage to push them off.

 

[Coyote machine]

I had the one on my HST trans fill port where the male would always push off the female rubber cap that the dealer installed. I took a paper shop towel and wrapped it around the male fitting and then push the female boot on. it works well and gives me a rag to use to clean off the fittings before connecting and when removing the bhoe from the tractor.
I did eventually find a higher quality dust boot and those are holding up well for about a year now.

 

[aczlan]

They must not make them like they used to, because my Bolens has eight of them, and they never come off or out. I think they must be 30 years old.

I thing it depends on the formulation of the plastic/fubber. Our B7500 and BX2660 have ones that are stiffer and more "plasticy" than "rubbery" and they stay on well without a zip tie.

Aaron Z

 

[BukitCase]

In true "Horror Fright" fashion, they don't tell you the diameter of these

Magnetic Ring

but it's 30mm - some of their "magnets" barely qualify as one, but these are so strong you almost need a pry bar thru the ring to get 'em off :thumbsup:

Haven't tried it yet, but plan to super glue some vinyl shelf liner material (or maybe thin rubber) to some of these, as they will completely cover the female AG style QD's. The magnets are plenty strong enough to hold thru 3-4 layers of non-canvas tarp, so any material that's thick/soft enough to act as a thin gasket should be fine.

Benefits, if they work at all -
Even if your qd's leak a bit, any slow pressure buildup will just force the magnet open far enough to relieve the pressure, but it won't come off.
Easy to stow, just find any non-aluminum part and get it close
Cheaper than the crappy plastic ones I've found

Downside - doubt they would work for the male half

On using zip ties - if you park your baby outside, I would recommend using BLACK ones - most others have no UV resistance and will crack/disintegrate in one season typically... Steve