Round O rings vs Squared off O rings

[beowulf]

I had slow leaks - dripping - from hydraulic hose connections - two for the FEL and one for the Top and tilt. I have ignored this for a while, but when I got around to a maintenance day (greasing, air filter, fluid levels etc. ) I decided to check the O rings in the quick disconnect connections - two different sizes. I don't recall ever replacing the O rings.

I took out the O rings from the FEL quick connects and compared them size-wise to some I had on hand so I could replace them. The ones I took out were - of course - circular, but the the O ring itself was squared off, i.e., the outside exterior 'edges were square - like a garden hose washer but thinner I wanted to replace them with the same kind so I waited until I went to town and to TSC. They had the size (dia.) but not the squared off ones. I tried a couple of auto supply stores and they also only had the round ones.

So, I replaced the O rings in the hose connections with what appeared to be the same diameter 'round' O rings and cleaned it all up. But there is still a very slow leak at times - very slight and only noticeable over time - I was on the seat today for about 3+ hours and noticed what I consider what would amount to 4-5 small drops.

I cannot find specs in my Woods Loader manual for any O rings, so my questions are 1) do I need the squared off O rings, or 2) if not, could the remaining very slow leak be because the new O rings I put in were in some aspect the wrong size? 3) other suggestions?

BTW: Interestingly there were no O rings in the two TNT connections. ??? I found some that seemed to fit and put those in for now.

 

[BukitCase]

Those are actually called quad rings - they are used where a better seal with lower friction is needed.

quad ring seal - Google Search

HTH... Steve

 

[mini14]

I really do learn something new everyday

 

[crazyal]

We use similar quick disconnects at work. We often find that we need to clean up the metal that makes the seal with the o-ring. For a small leak like you are talking about it takes very little crud or a scratch. We run at less than 100 psi, your hydraulic system runs at 25 times that. Also on occasion we get a pair that just fits too loosely. The male end must be at the small end of the acceptable diameter range and the female is at the upper end and they just fit loosely. When the hose pulls on them at an angle the leak a little.

 

[beowulf]

Thanks Bukitcase, now I have a name for those rings and don't have to struggle describing them. I need to take one of my hoses in to the hydraulic shop to have a replacement made (it has some minor abrasion but want to change it out) and will hopefully be able to buy quad rings there. Otherwise, I will check out your link.

 

[beowulf]

When the hose pulls on them at an angle the leak a little.

Crayzal, other than the gradual build up of oil beneath the slowly leaking connections which I can wipe off from time to time, are the slow leaks a concern, or just something to watch? I will still try to stop the leaks but just wondering how urgent or not urgent the issue might be.

 

[crazyal]

For me it's just the mess it leaves in my garage. At work it's a safety issue and we must address any leak. If you don't mind occasionally cleaning it up then I wouldn't worry about it. Chances are the excess grease from the pins is more of a mess.

 

[sd455dan]

Those are actually called quad rings - they are used where a better seal with lower friction is needed.

quad ring seal - Google Search




HTH... Steve

Yep, Also known and sold as X rings the "generic' name

 

[crazyal]

I don't think that it's an X-ring. X-rings look like an "X" when cut in half. I think the old o-ring is a square profile o-ring. They look like a square when cut in half.

 

[oldnslo]

Silly question but was there two items in the seal groove or just one. Some QDs have an O-ring with Back up ring. The back up rings are typically thinner rectangular shape and can be split teflon or solid elastomer like rubber.

Good luck on your search for quad rings.