Zeus Pod – Hydraulic Filter Assembly

[Tom Bartolomei]

Perhaps someone in the forum has done this or can offer general guidance on the install.

I’m replacing a high pressure hydraulic filter assembly which is currently weeping a small amount of hydraulic fluid.  Appears to be coming from the housing threads (the filter assembly comes in two halves, an upper and lower).  Couple of questions since I cannot locate a service manual for this.

(1) Is is okay to use a thread sealant like Rector seal on these threads or would generate a risk for hydraulic oil contamination?

(2) With hydraulic systems, is it generally good practice to fill the filter assembly with hydraulic oil prior to installing?  Something doesn’t sit right with me installing ‘dry’.

Tom

Topic

[Tony Athens]

The high pressure part of a hyd system can be tough to deal with in some cases when it come to very small leaks / sweats, etc.. .. We always use some type of sealant or lube, but it’s far from “one type fits all”. Some types of fittings need anaerobics, some need special pipe dope, and other just need some light grease.

When o-rings are involved, it usually just comes do to a light coating of grease as the “O-Ring” does the work , not the grease or a sealant–It’s there to allow the o-ring to move easily/expand, and then seal in its “machined space” as the pressure rises. ..

Tony

[Tom Bartolomei]

I disassembled the filter for a close inspection and it appears the threads were scored in one area. All O-rings were in good condition. I suspect the threads were scored on the initial filter change done by the PO or his tech. In any event, after consultation with Mercury they didn’t recommend any thread sealant.

I ordered a new filter assembly, installed it and all is dry once again.

Tom

[Tom Bartolomei]

Hi Tony –

This is the only picture I have unfortunately for the moment.  The hydraulic filter is part of a Zeus Pod system mated to a QSC.   The hydraulic pump (Parker) puts out about 3000 psi.  The filter assembly is shown in the picture (lower circle).  It is a canister type filter assembly  (casting) in two halves.  The upper have has the inlet and outlet.  The lower halve threads into the upper and contains the filter element inside.  Zeus is still a bit stealthy when it comes to thread details and the like.  The filter assembly is weeping hydraulic oil right where the two halves thread together.  There is an O-ring in between.  Mercury suggests the threads might be slightly scored causing the leak.  Of course they suggest a new filter assembly @$400.  This is what lead to my question regarding potential use of a thread sealant like Rector Seal.  I will soon break it down and see if the o-ring is pinched and/or scored threads.

Tom

[Tony Athens]

Tom,

I speak the language of “hydraulics” very well, but I am at a major disadvantage.. What exactly does “high pressure mean?  Today’s hy-hydraulics can run from 1500 PSI to well over 4000 PSI.. The trash truck the come to my house peaks out at 4000 PSI.. Aircraft / military hydraulics run 5000-8000 PSI these days.. 

You need to put “my eyes” on your boat so I can “see” what you see and exactly what you are referencing too.. My “crystal ball” is just not that good…  Besides that, I need a complete description of your system and what is used for..

Help me & I will help you……………Currently we are in the middle of a very complex pressure compensated 2 pump/ 4 motor system that runs anytime the main engine runs that will cost well over $20K by the time the dust settles..

 

Tony

 

 

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