Generator Slide Issue

LindyT · 03-09-2011, 12:47 PM

Just returned from a trip, leveled and the generator slide opened on its own. I retracted it and it closed, but opens a few inches afterwards.

I've not checked anything yet as it was raining when I pulled in, but I'm thinking perhaps a solenoid?

Just wondering if anyone has had a similar issue before I spend (waste) any time on it.

Thanks in advance!

'07 MADP 4528

racer0624 · 03-09-2011, 05:24 PM

LindyT,
I can say this is an easy problem to take care of only because I had the same issue about 6 months ago. There are 2 solenoids, one to open and one to close the gen. slide. The one that closes the slide is leaking. It will only get worse. Jeff or Carl at Newmar can tell you which one as I don't remember. Newmar stocks it. You'll loose about a table spoon of fluid when changing it out. Not enough to worry about.

Iron Man · 03-09-2011, 07:36 PM

Not to take John's thunder, after finding out which solenoid try HWH to purchase it. They made the slide system and will be far cheaper than Newmar.

LindyT · 03-09-2011, 11:43 PM

It's still raining, so I haven't had time for thorough investigation, but I do see what appears to be ATF splattered throughout the generator compartment. It's definitely not coming from the jack solenoids or lines... it appears the solenoid(s) for the gen slide are behind the piston, underneath the coach - is that correct?

Thanks!

racer0624 · 03-10-2011, 07:28 AM

Right you are Iron Man. Mine was under warranty when it failed.

Perry White · 03-10-2011, 07:51 AM

Try this. It shows the slide and hyd diagrams.

racer0624 · 03-10-2011, 02:57 PM

LindyT,
Under the 4 jack solenoid valves is a another solenoid that's smaller in diameter. There's one easily visible on the front side. the other one is on the back side of the manifold. If your plumbing is like mine, the easy-to-get-to front one is the one you need to change.
Now your other issue of fluid all over. My experience with solenoid failure indicates internal seal failure so their was no mess. I'd look somewhere else.

LindyT · 03-10-2011, 10:45 PM

Thank you, guys! I had a chance to look at it today and it appears to have been a simple problem. The breather / fill plug was loose (as in, I removed it with two fingers) -- there's fluid all around it, so I assume it just worked its way loose and blew out fluid. I topped it off, tightened the plug and the gen slide works fine and I don't see further fluid loss.

To err on the side of caution though, I'm going to flush the tank, refill, operate the jacks and slide, drain again and refill. I'm OCD like that.

Thanks again... especially for the manual. Very helpful!