Community Forums

clyon51 · 10-07-2017, 08:20 PM

Changed my hydraulic filter a month or so ago while work camping. When heading from Co to AZ a few days ago I discovered the filter was leaking fluid. Lost about a gal. Since none was available, I hit the first gas station and bought 3 qts of yellow/clear ATF. No problems so far. My question is what specific hydraulic fluid should I be using and should I change it out before going further in two weeks?

Stan&Jacquie · 10-08-2017, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyon51

Changed my hydraulic filter a month or so ago while work camping. When heading from Co to AZ a few days ago I discovered the filter was leaking fluid. Lost about a gal. Since none was available, I hit the first gas station and bought 3 qts of yellow/clear ATF. No problems so far. My question is what specific hydraulic fluid should I be using and should I change it out before going further in two weeks?

If I'm not mistaken, I believe my coach uses engine oil. Check your owners manual or google it.

hypoxia · 10-08-2017, 07:28 AM

According to my Owner Manual, "The hydraulic fluid used is Texaco Rando HD46 which has a wide ambient temperature operating range".

I use HD46 but I think it is a different brand. I saw 5 gallon buckets of HD46 in Sams Club yesterday.

I seem to remember some folks switching to a different fluid for some reason, perhaps for cold climates?

windsorbill · 10-08-2017, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyon51

Changed my hydraulic filter a month or so ago while work camping. When heading from Co to AZ a few days ago I discovered the filter was leaking fluid. Lost about a gal. Since none was available, I hit the first gas station and bought 3 qts of yellow/clear ATF. No problems so far. My question is what specific hydraulic fluid should I be using and should I change it out before going further in two weeks?

Mine uses ATF. I use Dextron III. I believe it's the red.

Mhcorrigan · 10-08-2017, 10:16 AM

Read your owners manual as it will tell you what to use. My coach uses AW46.

Radacravitz · 10-08-2017, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mhcorrigan

Read your owners manual as it will tell you what to use. My coach uses AW46.

like windsorbill mine uses dexIII but will accept later / more current versions.

i recommend the user’s manual, too.

RamiDav · 10-08-2017, 03:16 PM

At different times Monaco used the 3 different fluids mentioned above .
I have been told they quit using motor oil because in cold weather
it could cause seals to be blown .

Personally I don't think that the mix of oils that you now have will
ever cause a problem but unless you can nail down for sure what
those 2 oils are and can confirm from some hydraulic shop that the
mix is ok then changing it might be the best thing .

Oh , I changed mine and it had ATF ( DEX 111 )

Ray

96 Wideglide · 10-08-2017, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hypoxia

According to my Owner Manual, "The hydraulic fluid used is Texaco Rando HD46 which has a wide ambient temperature operating range".

Same!

clyon51 · 10-09-2017, 02:09 PM

Finally dug out the manual, says 35 qt of Dextron III ATF. So, doubt that the 3qt I added of junk ATF will hurt anything. Still need to add another gal anyway.

Randyman1 · 10-09-2017, 06:04 PM

I switched to Amsoil Synthetic when my cooler developed a leak. Replaced the cooler and then filled the system with the synthetic oil. I was told the reason for the cooler failures was that the high-pressure and thicker fluid when you start out on a cold morning without letting the fluid warm up and thin down some. Synthetic being more stable viscositywise to temp extremes is why I switched.

Stan&Jacquie · 10-09-2017, 07:30 PM

Might anyone know if it is OK to switch from the recommended oil, motor oil in my case, to a different product, say, synthetic oil without negative consequence?

clyon51 · 10-09-2017, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stan&Jacquie

Might anyone know if it is OK to switch from the recommended oil, motor oil in my case, to a different product, say, synthetic oil without negative consequence?

Can't imagine you shouldn't switch to a synthetic motor oil if regular motor oil is recommended. You of course would want to use the same viscosity. I did not stay at a Holiday Express last night[emoji4]

walt2137 · 10-11-2017, 08:02 AM

Stan in PA i would use either AW46 or Dexron lll and i think AW46 is about 15 weight and Dexron lll about 10 weight if my old memory is correct and in the PA cold climate i would use as thin fluid as possible. Monaco did use 3 different fluids and the manual is not always correct . It seams like Monaco used what oil was handy, AW 46 basicly clear with a yellow tent, Dexron lll red, engine oil yellow. Most Monaco coaches did have AW46. Switching should not be a problem just try and get most of the engine oil out.