Replacing high pressure hydraulic oil suction hose

[CSWolf]

The subject hose, about 5 feet in length, has cracks on the exterior and a minor bulge where it mounts to the lower fitting, Cummins 350 ISC, 2003 Dutch Star, year printed on the hose is 2002 obviously original. The hose is an Parker 811-16, 250psi, and is available locally. Question is, just how difficult to replace? Seems I would have to empty the hydraulic reservoir? The hose is not connected directly to the hose but to hydraulic valve body that's mounted underneath the reservoir. Access to the clamps , one easy, the upper not so easy. Any comments welcome.

[rvbiker45]

I replaced mine a few years ago. If memory serves me right, the reservoir contents will come out. Use the time to replace the hydraulic filters and replace the fluid. Your reservoir may have an internal filter, so do not forget about replacing that one also.
The hose came off at both ends fairly easily.

[Dav L]

It's not generally required to drain the hydraulic system to replace a hose. Certainly make sure the motor (pump) is not running and it's cold. Just clean all around the fitting(s) including a hit of air pressure and then solvent once the big gunk is wire brushed away, crack open the fitting, unthread the end, plug the now open line with a thumb while threading in the new hose end. The new hose other end would have a bag secured with a rubber band to keep any fluid from leaking. Put another bag / rubber band on the open old hose end. Thread out the old hose. Thread in the new hose. Repeat the process on the other end.

Success is dictated by your access and your agility. But typically the system won't bleed out much. Not much more than if you drain the reservoir as the hoses still have fluid in them that the bags will catch anyway.

BTW, the hose part number is only for the hose, not the fittings. You will very likely have to take the old hose to a local hydraulic fitting supplier to custom makeup a compatible hose with ends and tubing. So, be prepared to plug the open system up while you bring the old hose to get a new one made to it. I keep plastic plugs around in a lot of different sizes for just this purpose. You can also use some fabric as a plug. Just make sure it doesn't shed and enter the fitting hole...