Excavator valve control block assembly - Hitachi EX120-2 rebuild

[@philljustphill1656]

1 hour and 17 minutes of a hillbilly putting a hitachi valve block back together is one of the best movies to come out this year

[@Frank-Thoresen]

Rebuilding this valve block looks more complicated than rebuilding the diesel engine. Matt has a true dedication taking on this project

[@thombaan]

It's a 3 day project. Not a fun thing...

[@Dan-ud8ob]

Matt..your videos are NEVER boring !! Keep doing exactly what your doing ..the editing is perfect ..I've been watching for quite a while and have always found the channel very interesting.. Hope this will help with confidence issues.. looking forward to the block rebuild..you got this !!!😉

[@plainnpretty]

I agree never boring

[@deeper4cheaper128]

If it’s not fuuked don’t unfuukit! Or if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!

[@666sledgehammer666]

i’m a newbie to the channel and so far it’s pure gold - please keep doing exactly what you’re doing

[@ivangoncalves4719]

The videos are not boring. I think Matt get's bored very easy, i think what will he makes afer the big diger? perhaps an 6 wheeler articulated Volvo dumper...

[@ZeroTolerance56]

One of my favorite KZbin channels. Love what you are doing and your videos!

[@taztaz6539]

This excavator project is going to end up like your dozer -wow - it's the attention to detail that sets it apart and I hope Hitachi are following your progress and will help find the parts you need Thank you very much for sharing your progress mat 😊

[@tommyk1073]

Matt, as a mechanic who rebuilds valve block assemblies, you’re doing a thorough job. My only recommendation is after you have torqued a bolt, use a paint pen and apply a torque stripe..just so you know it’s complete..it’s a piece of mind thing. The next day you may start the reassembly process again and forget whether or not you torqued a bolt..take care man.

[@joeromanak8797]

I like a commenter who adds in his sound advice in a friendly and professional manner. Your suggestion is a great one and you presented it so nicely. Thanks 🥸

[@jeffo881]

The Bob Ross of Hydraulic Valves.

[@jimrky6062]

(And let's put a happy little valve ... here ... ) 😎

[@dennisbailey4296]

I don't know if you're dreaming up all the way this stuff is going or not but you are really doing a super fantastic job here man!! Don't doubt your abilities!! I'm a 40 automotive mechanic and I wouldn't want to be working on this!!!! All the best from Surrey BC Canada

[@anthonyhoult152]

Morning Matt, enjoyed this video from start to finish and looking forward to watching your next one straight away. Hope you remembered to tighten the fixing you missed 👍👍

[@websitesthatneedanem]

Matt, you ARE the Bravest mechanic on utube!!! ‼‼‼‼‼‼‼‼‼‼‼‼‼

[@druming9]

First, I want to give you a shout out for doing all this work without any music or podcasts. Just sitting in your shop quietly talking to yourself. Second, the hardest part for me would be doing all this work and not being able to test it right away. Just having to trust that you followed the book and it will work out.

[@laenreklaw]

When I look at your vids, all I can say is... You're a good man, Charlie Brown.

[@ChuckNorriz1122]

Lot of things come to mind watching this series. Who tackles this at home? Very impressed! How about the engineering that goes into one of these blocks. Amazing. Also, how cute is that darn dog? What a good shop buddy!

[@jlucasound]

I know! Charlie is Awesome! I was _also_ thinking of writing "Can you imagine the engineering put into these hydraulics?" Crazy complicated.

[@dm-zx7xb]

Miss the days when part stores/ dealers hired professional people and paid them enough to make them care. At least you found a place that had someone halfway care.... Great job reassembling! Always looking forward to your next video!!

[@Dmenbiker]

Matt, morning... When you get this BEAST back together and it runs perfectly, as it should, be sure to have yourself on video so we can view your euphoria...

[@Atlanticsoutheasthillbilly]

I run heavy equipment and you make refurbishing these things look easy. Time consuming but really you prove if you can read and know how to look at blown up diagrams you can do anything. For the most part old equipment is super basic and we really need

[@PacificNorthwestHillbilly]

nice name!

[@Atlanticsoutheasthillbilly]

Thanks you too.

[@TechGorilla1987]

Long time watcher - prolific commentator. I hope your family had a wonderful Christmas! I'll bet this valve block has TONS of "check valves." 😄

[@PacificNorthwestHillbilly]

only between it and the transfer case

[@terryrogers1025]

You have no idea how I enjoy watching how careful, meticulous, and clean you are on reassembly, and even tear down, just a pleasure to watch you, thanks for the update Mat.

[@dm55]

That is one complex piece of machinery. You got to give the guy credit who ever designed this. Appreciate all the work you put Inyo this. 👍

[@hoss1905]

As a retired red seal hd mechanic I give u 120% ❤ for the work and the patience you exhibit great work Matt😊

[@bennyharper862]

If the spools are not gouged, you leave bore alone. If the spools are gouged, you got a problem with both. Your bore cleaning is really freaking interesting.

[@Raffaele276]

Absolutely impressive display of mechanical ability on the fly.

[@mikeswiney5317]

Wow, this is the cleanest I’ve seen you hands between this and the D4 series videos!

[@shanerountree3623]

Absolutely love your "thinking outside the box" approach to tackling issues like this, not sure I'd have thought of making a tool using the wooden dowel and scotch brite pad.... In fact, I'm going to steal your tool idea the next time I have an issue like that!

[@alanm3438]

So many parts................. God be with you. This machine has not had this much attention since it was built. I think with your attention to detail that you may have missed you calling to be a surgeon.

[@randallyarborough7923]

I've seen some excavators that had fire damage for sale pretty cheap recently. I first thought it would be just replacing a few hoses. Now that I've seen how complicated that valve body is I will stay very far away from those. Kudos for taking on such a big job

[@chipsatterly4902]

Except for the different size of the tools, this is super "delicate" neurosurgical stuff. Incredibly detailed and has to be disassembled and then REassembled properly or it just won't work. Amazing patience and commitment to doing a GOOD job!1 My compliments!!

[@dburly4654]

Watching your great vids always reminds me how much I miss my dog. (Sniff) She always joined me in my shop.

[@MikeBaxterABC]

16:37 .. "little" things like patience to deal with all the O rings, make the difference between "I should run OK for a year or two" and "It's like brand new" !!! Great effort, a really good job!!

[@mattallen7667]

It's so satisfying to see the entire control block being taken apart, cleaned and then reassembled with the new seals. I find it fascinating how intricate these machines are. It's a great reason to take good care of them with proper maintenance. Great video Matt, keep up the good work!

[@robertgarrett5009]

Get some hot water for the o-rings, much safer than in front of a gas heater. The pressure relief valves should be factory set, probably why the dealer didn't want to sell the parts. They are a safety device after all.

[@ferguson20diesel49]

A lot of effort for dash 2 Ex120 dash 1 and dash 5 ex120 was the king

[@TheRyan668]

I love these videos. I am a professional mechanic and really enjoy your approach to repair and logical methods. Great job! You should use a o-ring hook to true up all those o-rings so they don’t tear on you! 👍🏻

[@bramptonkendell]

And now we know why replacement or reconditioned valve bodies cost so much. Well done Matt, a master class of good assembly practice with limited shop equipment.

[@51ubetcha]

I would recommend kerosene rather than gasoline for a lube/cleaner in those bores. Less flammable. Maybe even diesel fuel. don't forget that drill motor may make sparks.

[@jimrky6062]

My thought as well.

[@PacificNorthwestHillbilly]

I would have used kerosene over gasoline if I had any handy. Diesel leaves too much residue in my opinion.

[@jimrky6062]

@@PacificNorthwestHillbilly - I was wondering on hydraulic oil, and then a solvent wash to flush suspended particles. It's all a moot point when you have the item "tanked" although I realize that probably wasn't your first intention. 😎

[@enginecrzy]

You might look into Dico Nyalox nylon drill brushes, they come in 3 bristle grits & are super flexible. Good for rust scale & paint removal to mid to fine metal burnishing & is gentle on your parts. I use these all the time on all parts of my old briggs engines...✌👍

[@suzylarry1]

I am sure some one out there must have a person on knowledge of this valve, maybe and old operator or field mechanic ! I hope they pop up out of the blue and this internal valve issue gets it's new guts ! Enjoying the rebuild !

[@tombloemker9434]

I had the pleasure of working on a C130 fleet received from Lockheed. It was cool to see how the factory prevented fluid leaks simular to the hydraulic bosses in your video. All o rings had been wetted with a very slight coating of permatex #2. We were not allowed to use it. I was not surprised to see wetness at many sealing surfaces where dust collects on subsequent inspections. This was only where an o ring fits in a groove and a flat flange bolts on top of the ring. This was not done to threaded fittings. It must be something to do with high vibration, it really kept everything dry and clean.

[@ssmt2]

Just out of curiosity why were you not allowed to use the Permatex? I would think that if Lockheed specified it that you would be required to use it in the repair process. I worked on C-4 ballistic missiles (another Lockheed product) when I was in the Navy. If Lockheed specified it, we used it.

[@johnyoung9505]

I have a lot of respect for you for what you've accomplished in what you've taken on. I'm a retired millwright that spent a good part of my time working on rolls out of paper machines. When we worked on those bearings we found that we had to wear nytrile or latex gloves as the acids and oils from our skin would transfer to the bearing surfaces. I would be concerned for the close tolerances that are required to be maintained in the hydraulic system. I hope that as you said you are washing often, that that will make the difference. Again, great job and I look forward to future videos. Wishing you and yours well from Coombs, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

[@dennisrobbins5451]

Don't apologize for being thorough. Personally, I'm amazed at your willingness to tackle such a daunting task, that of rebuilding the control block for the hydraulics. Keep on keeping on I can't eat to see you operating this rebuilt piece of equipment.

[@curtfreeman7066]

That’s not blood Matt, it’s bio hydraulic fluid… Keep up the good work and Happy New Year!

[@donwatson8257]

Man and machine bonding

[@rjlauber]

Matt, that was awesome. Very few people would tackle a project like this. I really enjoy your work and the way you present it in your videos. Thank you.

[@Recommended_by_Fred]

Excellent call on hot tanking the valve block, I used to work at an auto dealer and we would use Scotch brite pads to clean gasket material. Ford had service bulletins that indicated that the Scotch brite material would get in between the the oil pressure relief valve and the bore causing it to hang open eventually ruining the engine. The hot tank I believe would remove all of the material

[@PacificNorthwestHillbilly]

yeah scotch pads leave a ton of tiny particles behind!

[@georgedoolittle9015]

​@@PacificNorthwestHillbillyshocked you wouldn't pay the $8.4 million US dollars for a new one..

[@grandy0406]

Outstanding: best video I have seen for a long time. Totally admire your dedication and commitment to this project. Thanks it was your excellent editing that really made it great to watch.

[@casparberends2719]

Nice work! To retain the new o-rings, I would prefer to use grease. More sticky and reduced risk of hydrolocking

[@EmilyWalker90]

Great job man. I own 2 excavators and do most of the maintenance and repairs myself. Learning more in depth about the hydraulic system and listening to your advice is so helpful and will be a huge help for me if I ever need to get into something like this. Thanks

[@BicClips]

This is my favorite channel EVER! Get it done, BOY.

[@mannycalavera121]

Ive never watchwd such videos so intently about something. Wish you all the best

[@markfowler2066]

Can you imagine the number of views both of you could achieve with a live Zoom video call with Curtis at Cutting Edge Engineering in Australia when you line bore the pins? Both of you provide outstanding, educational content, thanks and Happy New Year from Chattanooga, Tennessee

[@johnbullwinkle4111]

Great job on making all the parts so clean. That is what separates the shade tree to real pro. The printouts make a big difference also nice to be able to follow your train of thought.

[@rcboatlife4907]

Watched the cat build absolutely love this build really nice work you definitely love a challenge and to learn about things... I have learnt alot from you .. thank you keep the videos coming great work matt 👍

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

I salvaged a totally stuck in every manner needle scalar. The barrel threads were rusted solid! I went through several heating cycles. Wouldn't budge! Put the project on the back burner. Recently got it back out. Got ready for a struggle, exentention on the pipe wrench. I started twisting on it and it turned easily! Had to press every internal part out. Now the cleaning stage. I'm not looking forward to putting it back together in fear of getting parts out of order or missing something. My project is *NO WHERE NEAR* the complexity of this one! I'm enjoying this rebuild!

[@kirk467]

Matt, you sure have a lot more patience than I do my friend, assembling the valve body! That’s a lot of o-rings to fasteners to torque! Awesome job Matt, Kirk from Louisiana sending prayers and positive energy for you and your family this winter season! Stay safe, warm and healthy this winter my friend! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👌🏻👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@timbow50]

I know you have more patience than a neurosurgeon. I applaud your attention to the smallest detail like double/ triple the oring seats. 99% of shop for hire mechanics wouldn’t take the time guaranteed! 👍👍

[@meme2287]

A small plastic or brass-bristle bottle brush is good for cleaning those bores. You've effectively made your own though.

[@TechGorilla1987]

I just realized that this video is over an hour long. For the first time in my Matt watching career, I will have to stop this video mid-play for an appointment. I'll probably just restart the whole thing when I get back.

[@kahutochishisumi9056]

Your patience and meticulousness is unbelievable. Great job.

[@renem6441]

Your videos are educational and entertaining!! The way you tackle the disassembly and assembly with enough ocd is amazing!! Thank for sharing

[@aubreytycer8708]

I am amazed at the number of components. I am renovating a 1982 42 Grand Banks trawler. If it were not for a camera nothing would be restored successfully. I admire your organizational skills.

[@stephenmeeks684]

Matt, you amaze me every time I see you working on these machines.

[@BurnAndHackett_RC]

Good job Sir! The basic principle of the spool valve is quite simple and straightforward, just that on an hydraulic excavator, there are an awful lot of spools in one small space !! Congratulations on stripping down, inspecting, cleaning and re-assembling that block without losing any vital components.

[@donaldwright6613]

No need for apologies Matt, very interesting. Keep up the great work. All the best for 2024. 👍🥃

[@donbennington677]

It looked complicated to me but interesting and you looked as though you knew your way around. The parts sheets look as though they are now a good source for finger prints.

[@ianh9772]

You're so dedicated to all your projects it's a joy to watch. Top tip someone gave me for when you can't use a torque wrench, put same sized nut (with bolts & lock nut if small) in a vice and use a torque wrench with the correct setting, and then holding the torque wrench shaft at similar length as the wrench you're going to use and "learn" how much force to apply.

[@1971VoiceoftheMummy]

Excellent work. That's a lot of detail. I was always curious about the complex nature of the valve system on these. You should have really tight controls when this is all done.

[@Brad.whatthe]

My lord no wonder it’s outrageously expensive to have these jobs done, imagine a trained hydraulic tech sitting there for days on one pump, BIG bucks. Well done for even attempting this Matt, I need a lay down after just watching you do this😢

[@stephenpoe2037]

I am thinking CLR would have worked better ? Very tedious work ! You always find a way . Thanks for sharing !

[@danielerickson446]

Matt: Your efforts are that of Hercules! You have to remember that these valve blocks were assembled in a factory setting with a large team of engineers and mechanics doing the assembly with planned obsolescence in mind. I applaud your work and your experience! Thank you.

[@mcmmilo]

love watching you renovate construction machinery....... greeting from Denmark

[@billhartsfield424]

I know there was a lot of redundancy, but DAMN that’s a lot of parts to clean and keep straight! Excellent job as always !

[@franciscgedeon9237]

I guess you made it alive because we're watching this video, but brake cleaner spraying + open flame heating = love. Not an altruist, but I like your videos and would like to see more in the future.

[@buckethead9861]

Impressive undertaking. I’m enjoying watching this project

[@bpetnoi1472]

Matt, this is my second comment. Years ago I worked as a mechanic in a Trona mine in Wyoming. It was not uncommon for face crews to run their machines until they stopped moving because of hydraulic leaks. Instead of calling for a mechanic to fix the machine they would take a water hose and fill the oil tank so they could finish their shift. I understood that bonus were paid if the crew made required tonnage of ore. Of course no on ever openly admitted they did this. It caused a series of problems such as worn hydraulic pumps due to lack of proper lubrication. The water would get so hot that steam would build in the hydraulic system and shut down the machine if they ran it too long. We constantly had to replace pumps and of course anywhere their was water and heat the internal rust in valve bodies was always present. I cold never figure out why management never put a stop to this practice as it was an open secret. I guess so much money was being made that valve bodies and pumps just got replaced as part of doing business (do business in the wrong way by my opinion). Watching you deal with your valve body and the internal rust just brought back memories of the days when I had similar problems.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

So tedious... You are way more patient than I am.

[@jamescole1786]

12/30/23..A+Matt on super detailed, complex, organized methodical dis- assembly, cleaning, sorting 100's of parts/pieces/o-rings then re-assembling in a precise manner ... while casually informing yur viewers the torque specs, supply chain sourcing issues while simultaneously manipulating t video camera, lighting, close-up lenses then hour's of editing to publish for all of we viewers...man-o-man...fantastic job! Anxious to follow along & see the grand result! Stay safe, warm & carry on!⚙️🔧🗜💪👍🍺😊

[@sfr2929]

Hey Matt if you take the nozzle off your sureshot can there will be a little brass plug, remove it and the can will spray a stream rather than mist

[@adamdoingthings]

I went the same route for Brake Kleen. I have the same sprayer. You can pump that bad boy up to 140psi no problem. You’ll want to take the nozzle off and take the brass insert out to get flow. I did that and even drilled the nozzle out bigger

[@adamdoingthings]

I should have waited 10 more minutes to post the comment 😅 I see you already noticed

[@jerrodsimmons8356]

Matt, I am so amazed by your ability! It’s so amazing to see someone bite off a project like this! Keep up the good work, the end result is gonna be awesome!

[@PoteauCowboy]

Great Video Matt. Keeping track of the parts and 'O' rings was awesome. Thanks for the video...

[@jeffo881]

ahhhhhhh Gasoline and Sawdust, breakfast of champions

[@schmiermaxe74]

I think Matt deserve much more than 8300 likes !

[@robertschmidt6383]

I love watching your videos. Don't understand the mechanics but enjoy the labor involved. I'm in awe of people that have the knowledge to do this work. 👍

[@slypig24]

Matt, what a very interesting reassembly of that valve block. It will be great to eventually see it all working again. Great work. I think it will make you a better machine operator, knowing the full working of your excavator.

[@MilosMedic-gb1yf]

Hi from Serbia, nice job :D

[@mrgodBG]

ima nas još 😁

[@johnbrossack3791]

Well done. Even with the OEM drawings, that was one hell of a jig-saw puzzle to assemble, it was worth watching to the end. Happy New Year.

[@Michael-gp7mv]

Matt missed the notification 10 days ago,watching on the 10th of January @9-18 pm,all the best for 2024 I wish you health wealth and happiness,words fail me on this one,thanks very much for the video 🇦🇺Perth W.A.👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@luckyrobp]

youve got the patience of a saint to do that valve block.

[@bruceb1837]

I've gotta say the click-click of a torque wrench is so satisfying.

[@ronaldheit196]

Really like your attention to detail Matt. Plus the way you explain in detail the what and how your doing this rebuild.

[@thomastaylor298]

I thought that I had patients but I must admit I think you rival me. I really enjoy your determination to do a excellent job. Your ability is one of the best I have ever observed and watched. Your mechanical aptitude has got to be very high. You make these videos fun as well as educational. I love watching. Hope you and family have a nice holiday season.

[@shk2564]

I really enjoyed this and I am praying that you will find the O rings you need and not have to buy all new parts! 🙏❤️

[@kirk467]

Your tie wrap system worked well Matt, I’d never thought of that my friend! Buy a big box of latex gloves and use them then throw them away, they aren’t expensive!

[@robertbrady3027]

You know Matt, I have watched a lot of your videos and I am amazed that you can remember where every bolt and thing goes on every time you tear something apart. I'm proud of you for that for that's the hardest thing to do in mechanic's.

[@billbergquist4722]

This is one huge undertaking and fun to watch. I cringe a little when the brake clean and other fluids hit bare skin.

[@justjoe7313]

Perfect timing, perfect video! Cheers, best wishes for 2024! :)

[@drpatferrydc3853]

GREAT JOB MATT! YOU ARE VERY TALENTED AND VERY WELL ORGANIZED AND METICULOUS! ENJOY YOUR VEIDOS ,KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

[@oriwittmer]

You're either brave or crazy for working on this valve block. The first and last thing I do with every hydraulic repair is drop a spring or check ball on the shop floor, never to be seen again. Birds of a feather!

[@johnboyd6139]

Edit: I am 15 minutes in...you may have covered this. I'm sure someone has mentioned this before, but in case they didn't, at the least you could use a precision stone to "re-surface" the critical faces. I love your willingness to tackle some of the most difficult tasks. You are one talented man. God Bless.

[@mrpetit2]

"probably a long, boring video".... are you kidding me? The video is 1 hour and 17 minutes long......but it felt like 17 minutes😃👍 Very informative and well documented. Not that I'm gonna buy an excavator, but it gives a good impression on how hydraulics work and how it's constructed.👍 I'm looking forward to the next video. This series is just as awesome (maybe even better) than the one on your dozer.

[@kirk467]

Your girl Charlie looks like she’s comfortable while you’re working Matt! How far are yall from the Pacific Ocean! That fog looked thick out there Matt!

[@monteglover4133]

Greatly appreciate your videos One of the best tools I’ve found for removing striped or round bolts or fittings is the Channellock 410 up to about 1” diameter