Community Forums

Bobackhoe · 11-14-2008, 06:05 AM

I have a 98 Pace Arrow. The fluid in my auto park reseviour is pink instead of red. The hydrolic pump doesn't seem to be activating as I am stuck in park. Do you think the fluid has been contaminated? By what? Is it possible that the service tech put the wrong fluid in? I am thinkning brake fluid or synthetic gear oil maybe? Would that cause it to turn pink and ruin the pump?

Thanks,
Bo

Bobackhoe · 11-14-2008, 06:05 AM

I have a 98 Pace Arrow. The fluid in my auto park reseviour is pink instead of red. The hydrolic pump doesn't seem to be activating as I am stuck in park. Do you think the fluid has been contaminated? By what? Is it possible that the service tech put the wrong fluid in? I am thinkning brake fluid or synthetic gear oil maybe? Would that cause it to turn pink and ruin the pump?

Thanks,
Bo

edgray · 11-14-2008, 08:07 AM

WELCOME to iRV2.com

We are glad you joined and posted.

Please use the "Find" button, type in "autopark" and you'll get tons of info.

The acknowledged EXPERT is "oldusedbear". Reach out to him.

Again, Welcome! Ed

Brazel's RV Performance · 11-14-2008, 10:37 AM

If it is determined that your park brake will need to be replaced, contact Brazel's RV Performance, we have an air operated replacement system that costs much less than the OEM system and has a release so you will never have the problem of being "stuck" in park.

edgray · 11-14-2008, 12:52 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">contact Brazel's RV Performance, we have an air operated replacement system that costs much less than the OEM system </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Now THAT is good news indeed. THANKS JON. Does it have a name yet? ED

DriVer · 11-14-2008, 01:15 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by edgray:
... Does it have a name yet? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Ed, But of course! UltraStop!

edgray · 11-14-2008, 04:10 PM

SHUCKS. I had my heart set on ULTRAPARK!

ED

oldusedbear · 11-14-2008, 04:29 PM

There are several possibilities. If the RGS goes bad and loses a lot of the fluid thru rupturing, the insufficient fluid level may cause it to get foamy - - air bubbles. In which case, it looks more pink than red.

The Parker/Oildyne pumps are almost bullet proof. IF someone put brake fluid in it, it won't hurt the pump, but can screw up Buna N O rings and seals.

Statistically, odds are the Rotten Green Switch has toasted. Total fix about 50 bucks. If you want to get in touch with me, we can work out the problem. Not trying to spoil a system sale for someone else - - just help if you need it.

o.u.b.

edgray · 11-14-2008, 06:02 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Not trying to spoil a system sale for someone else - - just help if you need it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
No problem here at all, O.U.B. Your expertise & contributions here are exactly what the OP was asking for. We appreciate what you do. ED

oldusedbear · 11-15-2008, 02:33 PM

I've sent Bob a Private Message with my email address. We'll look forward to hearing from him.

oldusedbear

Bobackhoe · 11-16-2008, 08:05 AM

Thanks Guys!

I took the pink fluid to a local mechanic and we put a torch to some of it on the end of a screwdriver. It bubbled. We tried the same with new fluid and brake fluid...nothing. We are pretty sure that water somehow got sucked in. Maybe through a breather. I am thinking that a leak caused the pump to activate over and over and that maybe it sucked in road spray as we drove in the rain. What do you think?

I replaced the green switch this spring about 4000 miles ago. But maybe it has failed again. I will get under the rig today and do some investigating.

The air system sounds better, but I am sort of a cheap skate. If I need major work done I will get a hold of you about your system though.

Thanks,

Bo

edgray · 11-16-2008, 10:31 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">We are pretty sure that water somehow got sucked in. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
BO: By design, brake fluid is "hygroscopic" and will absorb moisture out of the air. This is one reason you usually see the advice to use new fluid from an unopened bottle. I'm told this characteristic is desirable because it prevents any water that "may" enter a brake system from settling and causing rust. Instead the water is absorbed into the BF, causing it to turn darker as more and more water is absorbed.

Good luck fixing your AAPB, and say "HI" to O.U.B.
ED

MikeT · 11-18-2008, 04:08 AM

Good to see the RVNET auto-park expert here too!!!

Bobackhoe · 11-18-2008, 07:29 AM

Ed:I found the green switch to be leaking again. I tested the pump by shorting the contacts on the wires that go to it.(Of course I had to block the wheels and shift into neutral to do it.) Pump works! Is there any way to buy a better switch? There are lots of hydrolic companies out there. Is there any switch out there that would do the same thing but is built better?

Thanks,
Bo