2012 Cat 242b3 - hydraulic leak questions

[BlackMntDemo]

Hey guys, new to this forum and looking forward to being a member! I just bought a 2012 Cat 242b3 with 710 hrs. Unfortunately it didn't come with the manual. I.D #*CAT0242BPSRS02222* I've used it a few hours already and it runs great, but it has a hydraulic leak. I lifted the cab and the leak seems to be coming from the big plastic hex fitting coming out of the bottom of the hydraulic reservoir behind the seat. This fitting has a larger diameter rubber hose on it, maybe 3" or so. The steady drip is coming from the base of this big hex fitting where it mates to the reservoir. I am HOPING there is an o-ring that has gone bad. What's the best way to attack this? My thought was to just drain the hydro fluid and pull that fitting apart, see if I can figure out why its leaking. However, the belly of the machine is such a mess from fluid and dirt that I can't even figure out where to drain the fluid from. Any tips? Once I fix the leak, Is there a way to safely clean the inside of the machine? I can't stand how filthy it is in there. its driving me crazy already. thanks in advance guys!

 

[foton]

get your pressure washer out and have at it then look for the leaks again to see if there is any more leaks under where the grit was. the important thing is to just have fun. hahahah

 

[flyerdan]

get your pressure washer out and have at it then look for the leaks again to see if there is any more leaks under where the grit was. the important thing is to just have fun. hahahah

There isn't a 242 book, but there is some for the 246 in the manual thread. I'd imagine that they used the same building techniques across models, so that might help identifying how things work.
A pressure washer does a pretty good job, but Harbor Freight has a neat engine cleaning gun that works in areas where a straight nozzle likes to blast just as much back into your face. Between the two you can clean it up real good.
Most fittings that have to be clocked a certain way do have a jam nut and O-ring to seal, you might get lucky and just have to snug up the jam nut to stop the leak.

 

[BlackMntDemo]

There isn't a 242 book, but there is some for the 246 in the manual thread. I'd imagine that they used the same building techniques across models, so that might help identifying how things work.
A pressure washer does a pretty good job, but Harbor Freight has a neat engine cleaning gun that works in areas where a straight nozzle likes to blast just as much back into your face. Between the two you can clean it up real good.
Most fittings that have to be clocked a certain way do have a jam nut and O-ring to seal, you might get lucky and just have to snug up the jam nut to stop the leak.

I found the part... its a strainer that nests into the hydro resivoir. It has an o-ring at the base that mates between the strainer housing and the reservoir itself. Going to dig into it tonight and replace that o ring. see if it solves the issue. My buddy said that it may be a more involved job to drain all the hydraulic fluid. He mentioned it may introduce air into the system...? but I read the procedure in another manual and it sounds pretty straight forward? Anyone have any tips or pointers on draining and refilling the hydraulic fluid? I am having a heck of a time finding the drain valve on the manifold under the pump. I need to clean up the area and see if that helps.