Two Bit Tractor Fix

[Ultradog MN]

The flair fitting on the return line on my power steering pump was leaking. Tightening it didn't help. Grrr.
So I melted some lead solder into a puddle and when it cooled I pounded it so it was flat.
I used a big center drill and drilled a hole in a piece of aluminum on the lathe then pushed a live center into the piece to form a cup.
Timmed the excess off and did a bit of cleanup with a hand file.
I put it between the flair fitting and nut and tightened it down.
Ran the tractor for about 4 hours yesterday.
No leak.
Estimated cost:
Solder - 3₵
Mapp gas - 4₵
Electricity - 17₵
------------------------
Total - 25₵

 

[Vito]

Impressive solution.

Vito

 

[Frankmn]

Pretty crafty

 

[used red MN]

Timmed the excess off and did a bit of cleanup with a hand file.
I put it between the flair fitting and nut and tightened it down.
Ran the tractor for about 4 hours yesterday.

Great thinking outside the box job!

 

[da.bees]

The flair fitting on the return line on my power steering pump was leaking. Tightening it didn't help. Grrr..
Estimated cost:
Solder - 3₵
Mapp gas - 4₵
Electricity - 17₵
------------------------
Total - 25₵

Sub-total 25c
+ 2c wages for Dog
-----------------------
Total 27c

Now you can use the savings to shop for a new tool.

 

[Bob Bancroft]

The flair fitting on the return line on my power steering pump was leaking. Tightening it didn't help. Grrr.
So I melted some lead solder into a puddle and when it cooled I pounded it so it was flat.
I used a big center drill and drilled a hole in a piece of aluminum on the lathe then pushed a live center into the piece to form a cup.
Timmed the excess off and did a bit of cleanup with a hand file.
I put it between the flair fitting and nut and tightened it down.
Ran the tractor for about 4 hours yesterday.
No leak.
Estimated cost:
Solder - 3₵
Mapp gas - 4₵
Electricity - 17₵
------------------------
Total - 25₵

I was working on an AC D15 series II which had developed a leak. This tractor had a problem since new of knocking/pre-ignition. It should have run high test gas, or had the timing retarded, or both. I found a little crevice right in the top of the block between two cylinders. I didn't know what to do so I went to the boss, who could fix anything. He suggested I trim a little piece of solder and lay it in the groove. I did. I don't know how long it lasted. I never heard back from it!

 

[Ray,IN]

Reads like the original flair fitting was over-tightened, or recieved a side-blow at some point. That was great ingenuity for making a new seal.
I suspect most shops would have told you your solution was not possible.
I've always maintained a good farmer must also be a good engineer.

 

[showcrop]

You are getting your money's worth out of that old lathe!

 

[Richard G.]

The flair fitting on the return line on my power steering pump was leaking. Tightening it didn't help. Grrr.
So I melted some lead solder into a puddle and when it cooled I pounded it so it was flat.
I used a big center drill and drilled a hole in a piece of aluminum on the lathe then pushed a live center into the piece to form a cup.
Timmed the excess off and did a bit of cleanup with a hand file.
I put it between the flair fitting and nut and tightened it down.
Ran the tractor for about 4 hours yesterday.
No leak.
Estimated cost:
Solder - 3₵
Mapp gas - 4₵
Electricity - 17₵
------------------------
Total - 25₵

Man, that was smart.
Gonna rember that one.

 

[greenmech]

The flair fitting on the return line on my power steering pump was leaking. Tightening it didn't help. Grrr.
So I melted some lead solder into a puddle and when it cooled I pounded it so it was flat.
I used a big center drill and drilled a hole in a piece of aluminum on the lathe then pushed a live center into the piece to form a cup.
Timmed the excess off and did a bit of cleanup with a hand file.
I put it between the flair fitting and nut and tightened it down.
Ran the tractor for about 4 hours yesterday.
No leak.
Estimated cost:
Solder - 3₵
Mapp gas - 4₵
Electricity - 17₵
------------------------
Total - 25₵

You did good! Ron MN

 

[mjsnodgrass]

a company called seco makes repair gaskets for AN fittings. i can tell you yours are a lot cheaper haha. good job

 

[matthies]

My Moline 4 Star used a washer like that on the hydraulic pump from factory.

 

[Ol 54']

Back in the Good Ol Days when I was working aircraft we had what they were called Flair savors, any size or shape or metal differences. Another way you can do that is depending on the size, run down to your hardware store and purchase a counter sunk screw, taper lathe cut the head of the screw to your material thickness then match drill a hole right in the center.. Most flair savors we had were around .025" to say .040" thick. When in doubt with your assembly real clean add a light smear of permatex, making sure you don't get any inside your tube assembly.. Good luck..

 

[Hobo,NC]

I have had that issue I think its the nature of the beast. I had to get excessively mean with it but I stopped the leak. I will try to remember your trick : )