Pipe Thread Adapters

[TractorGuy]

I am changing cylinders on a loader with generic cylinders. I also need to replace all the hoses and add a third function selector valve.

I am considering the use of adapters so I can go with off the shelf hoses that come with male NPT ends. Am I setting myself up for leaks?

 

[kthompson]

If you are using proper fittings and hyd thread sealant where the threads do the sealing, should be fine.

 

[mrmikey]

I respectfully disagree with kthompson. If you have a choice and are good with the added expense, JIC are a better idea as they're less prone to leaks. .......Mike

 

[mikester]

I am changing cylinders on a loader with generic cylinders. I also need to replace all the hoses and add a third function selector valve.

I am considering the use of adapters so I can go with off the shelf hoses that come with male NPT ends. Am I setting myself up for leaks?

I wouldn't worry about leakage.

You might have clearance issues trying to adapt the OEM hydraulic lines to the new cylinders...the adapters will make things stick out further and more prone to accidental breakage from tree branches etc. The ports might not be in the same/correct position as well.

 

[WranglerX]

I suggest using something like Locktite 545 thread sealer and not PTFE (teflon) tape.... Teflon tape can shred and flake off and gum up filters and valves and pumps.... Might also look at other brands like Permatex for thread sealers specifically for hydraulics...

Just so you know from my experience every time I have tried to use PTFE tape it been a disaster and always revert to some sort of liquid or paste pipe dope or sealer..... And PTFE tape is not technically a sealer, its a thread lubricant that allows you to just tighten threaded fitting to get better tread engagement ( actually to point of distortion and causing fitting to need replacing)...

But adapter are fine if assembly is done correctly and with care.... Custom made hoses with proper fitting for cylinders can usually be easily obtained if you have local shop that does hydraulic work.... Might be better than trying to buy adapters and generic hoses online...

Dale

 

[TractorGuy]

The original cylinders have size 6 ORB to size 6 ORFS adapters exiting the side of the cylinders. The new cylinders come with size 6 ORB ports that exit the top or bottom depending on how I install them. I'm normally don't worry about the pipe thread seal but I think I may have to use swivel adapters on this. I don't have any experience with the swivel pipe thread adapters.

On pipe threads for an oil or fuel connection I usually put a dab of aviation permatex on the treads. They may be a bugger to get loose later but they won't leak at the threads.

I am planning to install the lift cylinders with the ports on the bottom and the curl cylinders with the ports on the top. It looks like they should have plenty of clearance with that positioning.

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

Cylinder should be easy since you are replacing the hose too. Just use a ORB to JIC fitting. They are common. I assume a 90 elbow in this application. Then, JIC ends on the hose. Third function valve is likely NPT, so NPT to JIC there.

 

[TractorGuy]

Cylinder should be easy since you are replacing the hose too. Just use a ORB to JIC fitting. They are common. I assume a 90 elbow in this application. Then, JIC ends on the hose. Third function valve is likely NPT, so NPT to JIC there.

Third function valve has #8 ORB and cylinders are #6 ORB.

My reason for changing is wanting to use the hoses sold at TS with NPT ends. I see no reason or advantage to switch to JIC.

If I make hoses I will stick with the ORB to ORFS adapters since that comes standard on my JD and New Holland. Both tractors use ORB to ORFS adapters. The only leak I have ever had at a fitting on either is one of the ORB connections on my backhoe. That one fitting has a tendency to come loose and start weeping so I just tighten it up. Come to think of it that one hasn't leaked in months so I guess I finally got it seated good.

My main concern is the reliability of the swivel type NPT adapters.

Edit: Just realized I'm over thinking it. Since I will use the existing hard lines I HAVE to have an ORFS on one end. That should negate the need for a swivel NPT end.

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

Hydraulics Direct | Online Hydraulics Store has ORFS to JIC adapters. Surplus center has JIC hoses in pretty much any length you need.

I don't think you can get NPT adapters with swivel. Hose ends, sure, but the swivel isn't in the NPT feature, so that has no relevance. If a hose needs to swivel after assembly, hose end really doesn't matter.

 

[TractorGuy]

After all the procrastination I am not finding the adapter I need for the pipe end anyway. To go NPT I would need a #6 ORFS female to 3/8" NPT female 90. I don't want to start sticking adapters on top of adapters.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I would say a NPT connection done up tight is less likely to leak than other fitting styles. I have a machine with a hundred or more fittings that are all starting to leak on account of O ring age and failure.

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

Well, I haven't found a ORFS - JIC elbow yet either in your size. ORFS-JIC straight and JIC-JIC elbow would work if you have the room.

I'm not real familiar with ORFS. Do elbows have issues clocking like NPT? ORB don't as the sealing nut is tightened after the elbow is clocked.

 

[WranglerX]

Do I understand ORB is a straight thread fitting that has "O" ring seal at top of threads next to hex portion it seals on surface on outside cylinders and ORFS have a "O" ring on flat surface at base (start) of fitting threads and seats with a flat inside cylinder?...

Pretty new to all this, BUT I do under stand NPT....

Dale

 

[WranglerX]

Well, I haven't found a ORFS - JIC elbow yet either in your size. ORFS-JIC straight and JIC-JIC elbow would work if you have the room.

I'm not real familiar with ORFS. Do elbows have issues clocking like NPT? ORB don't as the sealing nut is tightened after the elbow is clocked.

As a casual look and not really understanding all the terminology, McMaster-Carr seem to have about 50 types and all sizes of hydraulic fittings, and anyone looked there?.... From past experience if McMaster does not have it, it probably does not exist....

McMaster-Carr

Also Grainger's seem to have extensive line up of fittings...

Male ORB Hydraulic Hose Adapters and Plugs - Hydraulic Fittings - Grainger Industrial Supply

Dale

 

[TractorGuy]

Not seeing what I need at McMaster Carr. Already checked Grainger.

For those that haven't see this designation before ORFS stands for O-ring Face Seal.

I actually just learned the straight SAE fittings are called O-Ring Boss (ORB) yesterday.

All of the hard lines on this loader terminate with male ORFS. The hoses I wasnted to use terminate with male NPT. Even if I used JIC hoses I can't find a single adapter that would get me to where I need to be for the existing hard lines.

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

Well then, time for custom hoses.

 

[Michael In Tennessee]

Well then, time for custom hoses.

From Discount Hydraulic Hose A 5 foot hose with 90 elbow ORFS female on one end and a 90 elbow JIC female on the other end would be $30. Not bad. They have a easy hose configurator tool on their site.

 

[WranglerX]

Not seeing what I need at McMaster Carr. Already checked Grainger.

For those that haven't see this designation before ORFS stands for O-ring Face Seal.

I actually just learned the straight SAE fittings are called O-Ring Boss (ORB) yesterday.

All of the hard lines on this loader terminate with male ORFS. The hoses I wasnted to use terminate with male NPT. Even if I used JIC hoses I can't find a single adapter that would get me to where I need to be for the existing hard lines.

Thanks for the definition of fittings (and link)...

Dale

 

[LD1]

Dont know if you have figured out what you are gonna do yet....but regarding NPT and NPT swivels....

I dont like the swivel fittings. But why would you need one?

If you want off the shelf NPT hoses that you can easily source....make all your adapters NPSM fittings. Its a mechanical seal like JIC, so no sealer needed.