So finally got around to messing with this.
Picked up a 3/8"x18" hose to loop back onto itself for the power steering return.
Well, I broke one of the specialty fittings that threads into the distribution block. Had to use an EZ-out to get the threaded section out of the block. Someone had installed a 90* adapter fitting and a straight adapter fitting. Like a dummy, I broke the straight fitting and of course it's some oddball thread that no local places have, atleast not the places open late on a Sunday. GRRrrr!
Does anybody know what the threads are on the hydraulic block? The adapters that were on my machine are 3/8"jic on the hose sides but i cannot figure out what they are on the block side.
Help. Tractor is dead in the water until i get this dealt with.
Sticking a caliper on the OD of the threads, I'm getting .67-.68" (11/16" SAE). I don't have a Metric Caliper.
I'm leaning towards it being NPSM; National Pipe Straight Mechanical or SAE O-Ring Boss. There is no taper to the threads, so it can't be NPT.
Edit; Found this thread where in post #12 a gentleman says he was able to match the threads in the hydraulic block as 3/8" BSPP.
http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27242&page=2
Edit edit; So interesting turn of events. Using the Kubota parts lookup and the newly located serial number of my machine, I found a brand new Kubota power steering delete/bypass block kit on EBAY for $25 shipped. That includes the 2 banjo bolts, the 4 crush washers, the block and the plug ....the entire setup. I had pretty much given up looking for OEM parts for this machine. Every time i had previously, it lead to a dead end. WooHoo. Now i won't have some unsightly cobbled together loop hose. Instead, it will be a nice clean return with a clean factory look.