Hydraulic repair help!

[DaveNay]

I need some quick help! One of the rigid steel hydraulic lines on my tractor has sprung a leak in the middle of it's run. Apparently, it has been rubbing on a frame member and finally wore a hole through the wall. What can I do for a quick fix??? I tried JB weld, but no matter how good I tried to clean it, the hydraulic fluid leaked out and the JB slid right off onto the ground. The line is for the oil cooler, so it is probably low pressure (i.e., it's not a front loader line). Can I put a square of sheet metal around it, and clamp the crap out of it with hose clamps? Obviously no dealer is open so I can't get a replacement line (besides, I bet they charge an arm and a leg!)

I'd like to get back on the tractor in a couple hours because I have a lot of mowing to do today.

 

[wedge40]

If I was in that much of hurry to fix it. I'd try the small piece of sheet metal (flashing comes to mind)rapped half way around the line, and use a small pipe clamp. If it's low pressure you could wrap and old inner tube around it and use two clamps. I know I'll get in trouble for mentioning, but again, if it's low pressure, you could use a screw to plug the hole.

Once you take line off they might be able to patch it or splice it. Then make sure you look for rub points and fix those as well.

Wedge

 

[Willl]

Without replacing, about the best you could do would be to cut out the damage and fit in a barrel type brass union fitting.

 

[DaveNay]

If I was in that much of hurry to fix it. I'd try the small piece of sheet metal (flashing comes to mind)rapped half way around the line, and use a small pipe clamp. If it's low pressure you could wrap and old inner tube around it and use two clamps. I know I'll get in trouble for mentioning, but again, if it's low pressure, you could use a screw to plug the hole.

One you take line off they might be able to patch it or splice it. Then make sure you look for rub points and fix those as well.

Wedge

OK...I have a handful of hose clamps, some silicone gasket material and some sheet metal. I'm going to put the gasket material on first with the sheet metal and then hold it in place with clamps.

 

[Soundguy]

Good grief.. say good buy to that hyd system once it gets contaminated with the silicone gasket maker!

My vote is to drain the line and braze in place.. OR cut and splice in the compression coupler..

An emergency repair for a pinhole, as mentioned adove could be a small sheetmetal screw and a nitrile oring.. screw the screw thru the middle of the oring into the hole.. then fix after the job..

soundguy

 

[KubotaSam]

Hydraulic components are way to expensive to risk a temporary repair. Pumps, cylinders,valves ect are all big buck items. Even cutting the metal line to put in the compression fitting could introduce metal shavings into the system unless the line is removed and fully cleaned. I don't think you said if your tractor is a hydrostatic drive but if it is, any contamination in the system could mean a total failure. $$$$$$$!!

 

[RWolf]

The best bet is the union coupler. You can get those just about anywhere, Lowes, HD, Ace etc.

 

[kennyd]

The best bet is the union coupler. You can get those just about anywhere, Lowes, HD, Ace etc.

The lines on his tractor are probably metric, and the coupler sold at these stores are made of brass-definitely NOT rated for hydraulic use anyway.

 

[RWolf]

Forgot about that, good point Kennyd

 

[zzvyb6]

I had a high pressure hydraulic line start weeping from rubbing contact, etc. on my bale wagon. I split a rubber hose and slid it on the split pipe. The hose was a bit larger than the pipe so there was some wrp around. Secured with 2 hose clamps. After 3 years, I'd forgot about it until you brought it up...

 

[PILOON]

Shucks, simply remouve the line and get the damaged area brazed.
Better yet get a similar sized steel tube, maybe 2 inches long, split it and while clamped in place braze it on as a patch.
Bet that as a repair it would oulast the rest of the tractor.
Naturally everything needs to be squeeky clean for a good repair.
Then flush the line to remouve any contaminants (gas, varsol etc).

If as you say this is low pressure, then a piece of split hose and maybe 2 hose clamps should do the trick.

 

[mlauk]

I've welded a return hydraulic line in a pinch. Set your welder on the lowest setting and use a small rod. 6011 or 6013 will fill better. Use a coat hanger or filler rod and place on the hole like you are TIG welding, then quickly strike the top the filler rod with the arc and back off quickly and repeat as required. Be careful or you can make a bigger hole than you started with.