Community Forums

scorpodoc · 05-14-2019, 04:23 PM

Hello again ..Well, my hydraulic reservoir has no dipstick to check level just what looks like a breather cap.. everything works but my concern is how low is too low and how much of a level should there be in the reservoir.. also is Dextron what is to be used to fill?
Thanks again for your input as always.

Mr_D · 05-14-2019, 04:28 PM

No such thing as "Dextron" it is and always has been "Dexron". GM has the copyright on the name and has withdrawn it from certification. That's why you no longer see it on the shelves.
Transynd or comparable TES-295 fluids are just fine or you can use the clear HWH fluid which I see for $4.95 qt.
Be aware of where your slides need to be. I have 4 slides, three need to be in and the forth out. Can get messy if you do it wrong. I did but then found the printed instructions were wrong!

scorpodoc · 05-14-2019, 04:57 PM

Thanks Mr D.. that was a typo on my part..Dexron it is!

Rich and Cork · 05-14-2019, 05:35 PM

Is it possible that the dip stick broke off? Does the cap look like that might have happened?

Anyway, HWH says 1 inch from top of reservoir.

https://www.google.com/search?client...+for+reservoir

Steve and Linda's APEX · 05-14-2019, 05:45 PM

Just filled ours. I purchased a hand pump that screws to a quart bottle of HWH hydraulic fluid (purchased at Camping World). Used a wood waxing stick from a beauty supply store to get an initial fluid level. Our coach took 6 quarts to reach the proper level. Now, all jacks and hydraulic slides are functioning perfectly. Note-We are new owners of our coach.

Old Scout · 05-14-2019, 06:15 PM

….ATF-III [red] or HWH fluid [clear]... most reservoirs have short sticks under cap but perhaps not by 2009...so one inch below tank top sounds good...key is to have jacks retracted...some say all but one slide [which one?] should be in but not sure I get that--slide cylinders are bi-directional so approximately the same amount of fluid is on either side of piston/plunger?????? help us help you, please add the model and year of your Alpine to your signature block....

wolfe10 · 05-15-2019, 07:55 AM

If no dipstick, the "work around" is pretty simple:

Use tape to make a line on a small (clean) screwdriver 1" from the tip.

Insert the screwdriver into the reservoir up to the tape line. Should see fluid on just the tip. If no fluid, continue inserting/withdrawing until you do hit fluid to determine approximately how much fluid you need to add.

Be aware that fluid is NOT consumed by operation or age, so you need to find the leak if fluid level is low.

DrDaveMA · 05-18-2019, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Scout

….ATF-III [red] or HWH fluid [clear]... most reservoirs have short sticks under cap but perhaps not by 2009...so one inch below tank top sounds good...key is to have jacks retracted...some say all but one slide [which one?] should be in but not sure I get that--slide cylinders are bi-directional so approximately the same amount of fluid is on either side of piston/plunger?????? help us help you, please add the model and year of your Alpine to your signature block....

Dean, mrD is Some Other Brand (Country Coach Magna) confusing the issue. As you say, for Alpines have the jacks retracted, if the cap does not have a dip stick, you can can insert a screw driver, pencil or any other object that will fit into the opening to determine the level. The reservoir is large enough that, unless you have a leak, the “1 inch” measurement does not have to be exact.

Also as Brett (Wolfe10 ) says, the position of the slides is not important. One other thing for folks to know, on Alpines, the HWH is an open system, all fluid comes back into the reservoir so there is no need for bleeding it, just cycle the slides and jacks several times to get all of the air through the system.

RVPioneer · 05-19-2019, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrDaveMA

Dean, mrD is Some Other Brand (Country Coach Magna) confusing the issue. As you say, for Alpines have the jacks retracted, if the cap does not have a dip stick, you can can insert a screw driver, pencil or any other object that will fit into the opening to determine the level. The reservoir is large enough that, unless you have a leak, the “1 inch” measurement does not have to be exact.

Also as Brett (Wolfe10 ) says, the position of the slides is not important. One other thing for folks to know, on Alpines, the HWH is an open system, all fluid comes back into the reservoir so there is no need for bleeding it, just cycle the slides and jacks several times to get all of the air through the system.

Actually, Brett made no mention of slide positions. Dean has some doubts on whether or not the slide position makes a difference.

My understanding, per the HWH manual, is that the level of fluid in the HWH reservoir should be measured with the jacks and slides, retracted. This includes the generator slide, if hydraulic.

wolfe10 · 05-19-2019, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVPioneer

My understanding, per the HWH manual, is that the level of fluid in the HWH reservoir should be measured with the jacks and slides, retracted. This includes the generator slide, if hydraulic.

That is how I do it as well-- everything in its "full upright position for take off"= everything in its "going down the road configuration".