Community Forums

AKOne · 07-30-2016, 12:03 AM

Ideas anyone? Need to check to hydraulic oil level on my HWH and possibly add fluid. First glance, not going to be an easy task.

DrDaveMA · 07-30-2016, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKOne

Ideas anyone? Need to check to hydraulic oil level on my HWH and possibly add fluid. First glance, not going to be an easy task.

First, only check the fluid when the slides are in, jacks up, otherwise you will overfill the system. The reservoir is fairly large so with the slides in, jacks up when you remove the cap from the tank you should be able to see fluid on the stick portion of the cap, if not reach in and stick a finger into the tank, if you have big hands try your pinkie. If you see or feel fluid you are fine. If not adding the fluid is going to be fun. I took a medium size funnel and added about 18" of clear tubing to the tip so I could hold the funnel outside and watch the fluid flow into the reservoir as I poured. Pour it slowly and check the level often, you do not want fluid overflowing in the compartment.

God luck.

Janet and Todd · 07-30-2016, 12:18 PM

Ours has instructions right on the tank. It wants the passenger slides to be open.

Birddog Pilot · 07-30-2016, 03:13 PM

I was advised by HWH that in order to check, and then fill the reservoir, that the jacks must be up; then it depends on where your slide cylinders are located as to whether the slides are extended or retracted.

1. The jacks must be retracted. In the retracted position the fluid is returned to the reservoir.
2. If the slide cylinders are in the wall, the slide must be extended. This is because the cylinders are now in the retracted position and the fluid has been returned to the reservoir.
3. If the slide cylinders are in the floor the slide must be retracted. This is because the cylinders are now in the retracted position and the fluid has been retuned to the reservoir.

So, it does indeed matter that you are checking the fluid level and servicing the reservoir when all cylinders are in the retracted position to assure that the fluid has been returned to the reservoir, otherwise incorrect fluid level is a real possibility. An over-serviced reservoir can be a real mess.

Please also reference: HWH Operator's Manual ML30488/MP05.9459 dated 09-17-2003, pages MP65,930C 06-17-2004 and MP65.943D 08-06-2003. This is the manual I received with the coach. I'm certain you will also be able to find the information in the HWH web site if you do not have access to this particular manual.

AKOne · 07-30-2016, 10:25 PM

Dave, thank you. Too bad a simple task is unnecessary difficult. Going to buy the fluid first and get dirty once. The compartment that houses the HWH on a 1999 is like the battery compartment, they will never be or stay as clean as I would like. Todd's picture is one to envy.

AKOne · 07-30-2016, 10:37 PM

Dick appreciate the detailed info. My coach being an older model has the slide cylinders in the floor. So it is good to know that everything needs to be stowed and road ready before checking fluid level. The HWH website does appear to have Western RV manuals for all the model years.

Old Scout · 07-31-2016, 07:10 AM

Just an old farm kid from Wisconsin but if a cylinder is bi-directional, don't think it would matter that much whether the slides are extended or retracted--jacks yes but slides no. Going on 14 years and 156k miles--never had an issue with checking HWH fluid level with all slides in......

DrDaveMA · 07-31-2016, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKOne

Dave, thank you. Too bad a simple task is unnecessary difficult. Going to buy the fluid first and get dirty once. The compartment that houses the HWH on a 1999 is like the battery compartment, they will never be or stay as clean as I would like. Todd's picture is one to envy.

I know what you mean. Last year I cleaned mine with a degreaser and it is still not as clean as I would like it.

Jperez · 08-02-2016, 09:45 AM

To expand upon this, I am a new Alpine owner, a 2000 40' w single slide. After extending the room slide more than 20 times with no problem, once I put it out with the LR corner low since the ground was not level. But not severely. Now slide barely moves, labors very badly. I am leaving it retracted since I don't want it to get stuck. Pump runs, no leaks visible and all jacks work OK/ Ideas???

Old Scout · 08-02-2016, 02:39 PM

First--a 40ft Alpine with only one slide????? We are talking motor coach here, right?

rjp · 08-02-2016, 03:01 PM

I check mine after each run.
Easy to check with the built in dip stick. When adding fluid you'll need a pump to fit on a quart container available at most auto parts store an they are inexpensive!

rjp · 08-02-2016, 03:08 PM

Does the 2000 have a HWH System ? If so I'm sure you have checked the fluid level ??
You should check the two slide mechanisms to check for broken rollers or slides. You might call HWH as the have a great Tech Dept.

Best of luck

rjp · 08-02-2016, 03:11 PM

I use oil absorbent pads to attract the oil mist that come from the breather cap it sure helps to keep the compartment clean..

Old Scout · 08-02-2016, 07:45 PM

There are several o-ring sealed plugs on the pump manifold that can leak fluid--but more likely you have one or more hose connections that are leaking fluid. I had an oily mess in my HWH compartment for many years, finally had HWH check/replace some of the O-rings and I replaced several of the hoses that were leaking on the pump end. Have had a clean, dry compartment for about the last 4 years--what a difference....