Hydraulic fitting not accessible?

[blue-5]

I have a hydraulic fitting that is leaking on a vertical man lift (JLG MVL20). I can not seem to get a wrench on it. I assume i could remove the lower line to access the top line that is leaking in the fitting but i would prefer not making a mess. The cylinder is above the block and mounted vertically.

I think if i could just get a little bit of a turn it would stop.
Any suggestions?

 

[MongoTA]

Would a basic crowfoot or perhaps a flare nut crowfoot or flare nut socket work? Sometimes they have different names. Can't quite make out how much effective access you have.

 

[zimman]

Until a more mature person post up an answer,
Zim

 

[Hakeem]

Take the bottom fitting off and wrap it in a couple rags while you tighten the top one. Use a rubber stopper or ideally a hydraulic fitting cap for even less mess.

 

[blue-5]

I had come to those solutions myself. I was hoping a more intelligent member of the community would simply say “oh sure need a hyd-slip-socket-widget-dealy and the part number is 87654-HSSWD”

 

[Hakeem]

I had come to those solutions myself. I was hoping a more intelligent member of the community would simply say “oh sure need a hyd-slip-socket-widget-dealy and the part number is 87654-HSSWD”

A deep flare socket like this:

*might* work but might not even fit between the fittings. Those are really crammed in there.

If you’re really inclined to try, maybe buy a single socket in the correct size (not from Snapon imo) and see if it works. But for a one-off repair where the biggest issue is spilled hydraulic fluid, I think you’d be best served by removing the lower fitting for access. Let us know what you end up doing, please

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

Looks like a flat face o-ring type fitting. If that’s the case no amount of tightening will stop leak. O-ring needs to be replaced. Mess is likely no matter what. That’s why they make pressure washers. Even if it is a JIC fitting to properly tighten the lower hose needs to be removed for access. Again no big deal. Brake clean will do the job also. When you run hydraulic equipment leaks are a part of life

 

[Beerhippie]

Isn't "inaccessible hydraulic fitting" redundant?

You'll get 'er done--just have to take the entire machine apart first.

 

[finn]

Isn't "inaccessible hydraulic fitting" redundant?

You'll get 'er done--just have to take the entire machine apart first.

It’s an oxymoron.

 

[Beerhippie]

It’s an oxymoron.

An accessible hydraulic fitting would be an oxymoron.

I once saw a bar fight start due to one guy telling the other what he'd said was an oxymoron. "Who you calling a *****, *******?"

 

[john.k]

Simple ..if you have to take half the machine apart to get at one hydraulic fitting ........You start and keep at it till finished ......that is what I love about Caterpillar .......every part is designed to be accessable for direct repair in the field

 

[blue-5]

thanks Guys! I ordered a few of those deep line sockets. I will try that first and report back.
Appreciate all the replies

 

[blue-5]

I wanted to thank all of you for the replies. I was able to complete the repair today. It turns out that it was not a threaded coupling but a parker push-lock fitting that had a bad o-ring. It was surprisingly easy to remove the hose and replace the coupling and reinstall said hose. As a bonus the mess was minimal.

 

[AJHD]

thanks Guys! I ordered a few of those deep line sockets. I will try that first and report back.
Appreciate all the replies

What sockets did you order?

 

[blue-5]

What sockets did you order?

Some injection line sockets i thought might help. Obviously at the time i did not know what i was looking at.
And yes, im keeping the sockets

 

[AJHD]

Some injection line sockets i thought might help. Obviously at the time i did not know what i was looking at.
And yes, im keeping the sockets

I was curious what specifically you bought and where you got them from. Obviously lots of Chinese options on Amazon.