Hydraulic leak - what to do?

[Sedge1]

Friends, I have a BX2200 that has served me very well over the past 17 years or so. In fact, it has been one of the most reliable mechanical things I own. But it is showing some age, though only 550 hours on it. And one of those things is a hydraulic leak. At least, I think it is a hydraulic leak. I am not terribly mechanically inclined but am learning, as stuff goes wrong. Like this leak.
So I assume this is a fluid vs engine oil issue because of the location. And I checked the dip stick which shows no fluid, as far as I can tell.
As I said, fixing this kind of thing is not really in my wheel house. But I was wondering if it is something that I could fix myself. Like disconnecting the coupling (if that is the right term) and putting some kind of teflon or other lining on the threads. Or, if there is some product that I could cover the coupling with as a seal.
The alternative is to pay several hundreds of dollars for my not so local dealer (50 miles away) to come and get it and fix it.
Thanks in advance for any help.
David

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[newbury]

If that milky colored drip is your problem you probably need to change your hydraulic fluid anyways and find out how water is getting in.
Hydro fluid changes milky after a certain % of water.
For that leak it might just need the fitting tightened.

 

[Sedge1]

Thanks for the reply and for schooling me on the water infiltration issue which is a new one to me. What are the possible sources of water infiltration. And, yes, tightening the fitting makes perfect sense. I just wondered if there was something more to do to insure the integrity of the fitting. Thanks again.
David

 

[Username Taken]

Thanks for the reply and for schooling me on the water infiltration issue which is a new one to me. What are the possible sources of water infiltration. And, yes, tightening the fitting makes perfect sense. I just wondered if there was something more to do to insure the integrity of the fitting. Thanks again.
David

Looks like a compression fitting but I'm not a mechanic.

If it were me, I'd load it up in the bed of a pickup or in a trailer and tow it to a dealer. Doesn't really have to be your dealer. Ask around

They're not light. 1,600 lbs without the MMM, which you might want to take it off so the dealer has room to work and so it will fit in the back of a P/U. A trailer would be much better. Get somebody with experience to help you if you're uncertain or unsure of yourself. It's okay to not know how to do some things. Better to admit it to yourself rather than somebody getting hurt.

 

[LouNY]

It is most likely a JIC fitting, it may just need to be broken loose and then retightened.
As has been mentioned looks like the fluid could be changed, along with clean any screens and replacing filters.

 

[aczlan]

It is most likely a JIC fitting, it may just need to be broken loose and then retightened.
As has been mentioned looks like the fluid could be changed, along with clean any screens and replacing filters.

Could also have air in it from running low.
First tighten the fitting (one wrench on each side, probably a 3/4" and a 11/16"), then either add fluid until it reads as full, or drain it out and replace the filters (should be a drain plug underneath, one filter in front to replace and the suction screen on the right rear corner to remove, wipe off and replace), then refill it with either SUDT or SUDT2 compatible fluid.

Aaron Z

 

[Sedge1]

Aaron, are you saying that the milky consistency could be the result of air, caused by low fluid level, rather than water infiltration? My plan, subject to other suggestions, is to drain the system, replace the fluid/filter (and clean off the suction screen), as I have not done that before. I will crack and tighten the JIC fitting and keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks again.
David

 

[aczlan]

Aaron, are you saying that the milky consistency could be the result of air, caused by low fluid level, rather than water infiltration? My plan, subject to other suggestions, is to drain the system, replace the fluid/filter (and clean off the suction screen), as I have not done that before. I will crack and tighten the JIC fitting and keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks again.
David

Drain a little into a clear glass cup and see if the bubbles clear out after a few hours, or if it stays milky.
If it's water, it will look like a milkshake and stay that way. If it's bubbles it will clear up after a few hours and you should be able to see that it's bubbles.

I have seen milky looking fluid caused by the system being low and either the pump sucking in air with the incoming fluid, or they're not being enough fluid for it to rest and let the bubbles from the return settle out and it getting sucked back through the pump. When you look at it closely you should be able to see if it's bubbles.

Aaron Z

 

[Sedge1]

Aaron, will do.
Thanks, mate.
David

 

[Smokeydog]

I would fix the leak first and check your fluid level in case you have to replace a line or other repair. Then do a fluid and filter service.