Detaching hoses in the warm

[ning]

Occasionally a question comes up "how do I take this hydraulic coupling apart it's stuck!" and almost invariably it's because the temperature was cooler when it was coupled and due to the increase of temperature, fluid pressure inside the hoses has increased to the point that you can't undo the coupling.

Here's an example - I have a hydraulic fluid pressure gauge with two couplers; I keep it as a loop when not using it.

Apparently it was cooler when I last used it than today:

and after a minor temperature drop - this is like 65°F water -

it's only 76 out today though this was in the sun it wasn't hot to the touch.

 

[5030]

No issues here, I have Pioneer attach and release under pressure fittings.

 

[Doorman63]

I’ve soaked mine with the garden hose for a few mins. Especially the hard lines.

Now I disconnect in barn…..no more issues!

 

[ning]

No issues here, I have Pioneer attach and release under pressure fittings.

.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I recently discovered this little pal.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I use this $10 welding clamp from Harbor Freight:

Welding And Sheet Metal Clamp Set, 2 Piece

Amazing deals on this Welding & Sheet Metal Clamp Set 2Pc at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Takes about 2 minutes with an angle grinder to open the jaws enough to fit the notch in the coupler barrel

Opens any pressure bound coupler with a pop and a spurt of oil. I usually wrap it with a rag first.

The clamp is also a hands free way to hold the coupler open when connecting.

 

[kneedeep]

It’s not always possible, but I try to wait until machinery has cooled overnight to uncouple hydraulics.
Also, always unhook with lever in float position.

 

[John_Mc]

I just shut the tractor off and work the levers back & forth a few times to relieve the hydraulic pressure. On some electro-hydraulic controls, you may have to turn the tractor off, then turn the ignition switch back to the "run" position, but do not start it.

Putting the couplers back together when an implement has been sitting in the sun is another story. I use one of the Waite hydraulic decompression tools: Shop - Rocky Mountain Waterjet

This video is way too long to show something so basic. Skip ahead to the 7:00 minute mark

 

[4570Man]

I usually don’t have any problems unless the implement was uncoupled at rest temperature and then left in the direct sun. When that does happen loosing a hose or sometimes both hoses to relieve pressure is the only fix I’ve found. It doesn’t take much fluid loss. Just a few drips will do the job.

 

[4570Man]

It’s not always possible, but I try to wait until machinery has cooled overnight to uncouple hydraulics.
Also, always unhook with lever in float position.

I’ve had more problems disconnected an attachment before I start using it vs when it’s at operating temperature. When the fluid is at operational temperature it would be unlikely for the sun to be able to heat the hoses hotter then they already were.