Hydraulic Couplers

[TimberHole]

Tell me about hydraulic couplers. I'm working on a JD 950 and the last leak to fix is at the rear couplers. They are Pioneer brand and I think I see a number of 050-2P. I don't know if these are the original couplers or replacements. Do I disassemble these and replace O-rings or buy new couplers? Recommendations?

And lastly, the dumbest question of all time.....do couplers require a thread sealant when installed? I found one coupler loose and thought I'd found my leak. After tightening I still seem to be dripping.

If replacement is the way to go, anyone have a recommendation for replacement?

Thanks.

 

[Steave]

I would replace with Pioneer (same as what you have) and I use thread sealant if the fitting is NPT. Pioneer is a good brand and cost a couple dollars more but worth it. Or you can use Teflon tape as long as you back up about 2 threads before putting the tape on so as not to let it get into the hydraulic system. Some folks have good luck with rebuilding the connector but I just replace them. Most tractor places have them in stock.

 

[bigdeano]

From my experience, the kind of couplers that use a ball on the end are likely to drip all the time because they don't use a rubber seal on the ball, just metal to metal. The type that use a plunger, or whatever they call it on the end have an O ring seal and won't leak there.

NPT threads need a sealant or they're likely to leak. I usually use Loctite 242 blue thread locker, because I have a large bottle and it serves both purposes.

 

[ericm979]

I splurged on a bottle of the special LocTite for hydraulic threads. It works well. Better than the liquid teflon tape.