Northstar 37 ....pesty little drip/leak on hoses,,,

[CTwoodnutt]

Hello Group,

I have a pretty new Northstar 37 ton splitter, which I bought from Northern December 2012, which has seen relatively light usage.

It has (and pretty much always had) a pesty little drip, drip, drip from BOTH hoses, right where they connect to the tank with the hose clamps.

Over a two month period, between operation and just sitting/covered, it has leaked 1 full 'large Folgers can' of hydraulic oil.

HOW can I stop this???

1 -Could I have over tightened the hose clamps? (The hoses don't look split).
2 -Do they make "double-wide" hose clamps?
3 - Can I use some kind of Pipe Sealant or even Silicone Caulk, then put the hose back on, and clamp?
* IF SO, what's the name of the product?

This machine has always had this pesty little drip, since day 1.

I was thinking of cutting another piece of hose, say 2 - 3" long, to place over the existing hose, then clamp it, and use 'pipe sealant or silicone' to s-t-o-p it!

Any ideas would greatly be appreciated!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

CTwoodnutt

 

[greg storms]

There is a yellow pipe sealant tape for hydraulics. However, due to the high pressure, if on pressure side, you may need a hydraulic crimped hose with hydraulic fittings (sae, I think). Even if it's on the suction side of pump, a properly crimped hose with appropriate fittings is the 'leak free' way to go. IMO. Good luck! My log splitters have never leaked from hoses.

 

[triptester]

If the leak is near a hose with a hose clamp it is low pressure. There could be a losse hose adaptor that may need to be redoped and tightened.

 

[lone wolf]

If the leak is near a hose with a hose clamp it is low pressure. There could be a losse hose adaptor that may need to be redoped and tightened.

What kind of sealant? And will the sealant work if the tank has oil in it or should it be drained?

 

[triptester]

If it is a thread leak on a adaptor it should be removed, re- doped ,and re-tightened. I use Rectoseal 5.

 

[Topbuilder]

Replace the hose. Inspect nipples for defects. Double up on Stainless worm drive clamps. No sealer necessary.