Found hydraulic leak, I hope.

[big jimbo]

I think I found my hydraulic leak yesterday.

In the top of the manifold where the solinoids are for the jacks there are four brass plugs. One was not even quite finger tight, and the others were not very tight. A 5/8" wrench fits them and I tightened everything a bit.

I still have to refill the hydraulic tank, clean out the compartment, and then see what happens. HWH told me it was OK to use Dexron II ATF.

I am not exactly sure how I am going to clean the compartment because there is no way to get my hand down in there. I hope I can get into a DIY car wash and spray it out with their soap. On my previous post some body mentioned an acess panel from the inboard side of the compartment, there is no such panel on the Apex.

[big jimbo]

I think I found my hydraulic leak yesterday.

In the top of the manifold where the solinoids are for the jacks there are four brass plugs. One was not even quite finger tight, and the others were not very tight. A 5/8" wrench fits them and I tightened everything a bit.

I still have to refill the hydraulic tank, clean out the compartment, and then see what happens. HWH told me it was OK to use Dexron II ATF.

I am not exactly sure how I am going to clean the compartment because there is no way to get my hand down in there. I hope I can get into a DIY car wash and spray it out with their soap. On my previous post some body mentioned an acess panel from the inboard side of the compartment, there is no such panel on the Apex.

[Rich and Cork]

I would try to use Gunk and just a hose to clean it off. The high pressure spray may cause some other issues.

[OldForester]

I use Simple Green and paper towels. It takes about half a roll of towels but it doesn't cause other problems.

[big jimbo]

Rich, Good point, I think I will try that. I honestly forgot about Gunk, haven't used it in about 40 years.

Forester, Also a good point, but as stated in my previous post, there is absolutely no way to get my hand down in there to clean up the mess.

[hrhuggie]

Jim,
having had a similar problem, I too use simple green, spray liberally on area and then use spray from water hose to rinse off. I try to avoid spraying on electrical connections and of course the "brain" in the area too

Gunk removes a LoT of stuff, might remove some of the finish too

[hax]

big jimbo: I've got a weep hole in the bottom of that compartment, I had to put a pan under the RF mus flap to catch the mess.

[takepride]

Jim:

You can use the Dexron II, but it does have a pink dye that can stain your carpets, if it leaks. HWH makes the exact same stuff, but clear. Easier to clean up, but harder to find. Camping World discontinued it but I found it a a smaller RV supply store, in quarts.

I also use the Simple Green since it's easier on surfaces, but dissolves hydraulic fluid well. I think you'll find the compartment will weep either at the front or a rear corner. You might tilt your jacks to help with the drainage. And Simple Green is biodegradable (I prefer the new lemon variety).

[Al Heikka]

Jim, had the same problem a few week's ago.My caps were loose so tighted them,It didn't help so I replaced the O-rings and bought a few extras,All is well now.
AL

[big jimbo]

Al, thanks for responding, I just sent you a private message.

[Beagle RC Air]

Give 'GM Engine Shampoo' a try. Available at GM dealer parts counter. Washes off with water, is not caustic, does not harm electrical components. I see that it is now available in aerosol cans.
This is a very product for cleaning engines also.

[Don The Ham]

Found leak at same location. These brass caps are for the check valves. Replaced O-ring. Old o-ring was in very poor condition after 3 years in service.

[Old Rv'er]

Thank you for the tip on the brass plugs. I will check them next time at coach. I have used Simple green to clean engines, works great. I sprayed on, let sit 5 minutes, then hosed if off. Car started right up. Wonderful stuff. Did not know about the lemon variety, but some it going in the MH.