Small leak near loader arm

[whitlamsvall3y]

I have a JCB 1550 that's been working great for years. Last month, I changed the bucket cylinder because it was old. Now I see a small oil leak near the left loader arm. It shows up after I use the machine for a few hours. I'm not sure if I missed something when I put it back together. Could it be a loose part or a bad seal?

 

[d0ugg.348]

That's a great machine! I think the small leak points to a pressure building up. Since it started right after you did the bucket cylinder, my first guess would be a connection you didn't tighten enough or a fitting that got cross-threaded a little. Try to double-check all the hydraulic lines and fittings around that bucket cylinder and the main loader arm junction. A bad seal on a new part is rare but not impossible. Also make sure you didn't pinch or nick the O-ring when you put it on. It's probably something simple.. you just need to trace it back from where you were working!

 

[som0gyszentimre]

That's a great machine! I think the small leak points to a pressure building up. Since it started right after you did the bucket cylinder, my first guess would be a connection you didn't tighten enough or a fitting that got cross-threaded a little. Try to double-check all the hydraulic lines and fittings around that bucket cylinder and the main loader arm junction. A bad seal on a new part is rare but not impossible. Also make sure you didn't pinch or nick the O-ring when you put it on. It's probably something simple.. you just need to trace it back from where you were working!

Thanks for the info. I helped my uncle swap the bucket cylinder on his JCB 1550 a few weeks ago and we noticed a small leak near the loader arm after reassembly. Did you use any sealant on the threads or just tighten them down? Was your leak constant or only when the hydraulics were working?

 

[d0ugg.348]

It's not necessary to use any thread sealant.. just tighten everything down firmly! Those fittings are usually metal-to-metal or use an O-ring to seal, so no need for tape or paste.