Hydraulic tank leak

[tonyoz]

I've had a leak on the hydraulic tank on the C140 for a while and it's been a PIA trying to find it until today. It's been letting moisture in so it above the oil level. This is how I found it, using an old truck inner tube I cut the rubber around the valve, drilled the holes and fitted it to the filler, connected some air then went looking and listening. Found it after 10 min. Rayco's great welding (NOT) is the problem. Don't use more than 10psi or it could blow the delivery hoses off the pumps. :thumbsup:

 

[PILOON]

Using some air pressure is a neat trick to find minor leaks.
Thanks.

 

[redprospector]

I've "rigged" a lot of different ways to pressurize tanks before. But I think I like your idea best of all Tony. I've got to remember that for my next pressure test. Pretty slick. :thumbsup:

 

[tonyoz]

The other good thing about using a tyre valve is that it's easy to pressure test after the repair is done, a tyre pressure gauge is all that's needed. I just love KISS

 

[APSmulching]

That's a great idea Tony, very creative. Where was the leak? Did you get the stress crack in the hydraulic tank or fuel tank that Most of the Rayco's have?

 

[tonyoz]

That's a great idea Tony, very creative. Where was the leak? Did you get the stress crack in the hydraulic tank or fuel tank that Most of the Rayco's have?

The crack is behind the cab mount running along the weld. The cab needs to be removed to reweld and I don't have time for that so Locktite radiator repair putty will do the job for now. There are pin holes in the welds on the lower fuel tank, the engine and pumps have to come out to fix. Gees even the Chinese can do a better job of building machines than Rayco who should change their name to ANCNRCO (A No Care No Responsibility Company).

 

[treemuncher]

Use that fill valve you made up to purge the tank of air if you want to weld it. I've had to weld the hyd tank and the fuel tank on my 140. I filled the tank with argon and left enough pressure in it at all times so that a rubber glove with a 1/16" hole in a finger would stay well inflated at all times, proving positive pressure but keeping it just above atmospheric. Without oxygen, the fuels can not burn and you can grind & weld the tank somewhat safely.

I did get Fecon/Rayco to send me the patch plate kit to fix the issue, but no compensation for the labor of installation. This cracking at the tanks has happened on many 140's. Since the patch was installed, no more leaks and no more cracks.

 

[APSmulching]

Use that fill valve you made up to purge the tank of air if you want to weld it. I've had to weld the hyd tank and the fuel tank on my 140. I filled the tank with argon and left enough pressure in it at all times so that a rubber glove with a 1/16" hole in a finger would stay well inflated at all times, proving positive pressure but keeping it just above atmospheric. Without oxygen, the fuels can not burn and you can grind & weld the tank somewhat safely. I did get Fecon/Rayco to send me the patch plate kit to fix the issue, but no compensation for the labor of installation. This cracking at the tanks has happened on many 140's. Since the patch was installed, no more leaks and no more cracks.

How long ago did they send you the fish plate kit? I asked them about it and they said that they don't use them anymore they use the slotted holes on the lift arm instead. The Rayco service guy said he didn't think they crack the tanks after they did that update. He said they used the fish plates when the problem first started happening. I would like to add them to my 140.

 

[tonyoz]

It's not surprising Rayco haven't sent me any updates since my last conversation with John Bowling many moons ago.

 

[treemuncher]

How long ago did they send you the fish plate kit? I asked them about it and they said that they don't use them anymore they use the slotted holes on the lift arm instead. The Rayco service guy said he didn't think they crack the tanks after they did that update. He said they used the fish plates when the problem first started happening. I would like to add them to my 140.

April of 2012 according to the pictures that I have. I still have copies of the drawings that were sent to me if those would help you. Send me a PM with your email and I can send you the PDF files that I have of all of the stitch plates.

Typical cracking of the C140 machine:

 

[tonyoz]

Treemulcher, I've PM'd you. My 140 is going into the workshop tomorrow to get the tank repaired, so if anyone else has the info on what has to be done could you send it to me PDQ.
Thanks in advance
Tony

 

[treemuncher]

Tony and APSmulching: files sent as per your PM's. I hope they help you with the repairs. At least you can see how Rayco designed their plates to re-enforce the stressed areas. It's a lot of work to pull the cab and do the repairs but it is well worth it if you like the machine as well as I do.

 

[tonyoz]

So I found this crack on the hydraulic tank yesterday after the cab was removed. It's been welded before but I can't remember it getting done,( must be getting CRAFT:confused2. Anyway the weld had cracked and the spilt had continued along the tank past the cab mount and past the bolt hole for the seat plate, about 9-10" in all.