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Old 05-20-2021, 12:56 PM   #1
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Hydraulic Fluid?

I have a 2006 36FDDS 400hp ISL. I want to change hydraulic fluid and filters. But I’m not sure what fluid to use. I heard motor oil 15w40 or hydraulic oil? Doesn’t make sense to me to use motor oil. Need help. Does anyone know for sure. I didn’t think motor oil is made to handle such hi pressures.
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Old 05-20-2021, 08:11 PM   #2
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I’ll take it that you’re referring to the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir in the engine compartment for the radiator fan, power steering and brake booster? The other 2 options being the brake fluid and HWH fluid.

WRV did use 15/40 some years. Many have drained it and switched to AW46. The 15/40 seems to have worked ok.
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Old 05-20-2021, 10:33 PM   #3
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Thanks, I bought 3 gallons of Mobil DTE 25 ISO 46. That’s what they used in the last Alpine’s in 2009. What do you think is best?
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Old 05-21-2021, 06:12 AM   #4
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Different coach manufacturers and even different years by the same coach makers used different hydraulic fluids.


Best to use the fluid YOUR system was designed for.


Yes, some use motor oil, some ATF and some hydraulic fluid.



None particularly stand out as better/worse, but unlikely that a mixture of the proper fluid and something else will perform as well.
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Old 05-21-2021, 07:55 AM   #5
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So I guess I’ll take a sample and have it analyzed? Thanks
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Old 05-21-2021, 07:58 AM   #6
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So I guess I’ll take a sample and have it analyzed? Thanks

So, there is no label on the reservoir or info in your coach owner's manual?


Perhaps someone else with a 2006 has that information.
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Old 05-21-2021, 08:52 AM   #7
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There were some threads on this forum years ago about people changing out the motor oil for hydraulic oil because they thought it made the service brakes boost better (less foot pressure needed). I originally had motor oil and have since changed it out for the hydraulic oil. I just drained the reservoir and got as much as I could get out of the oil cooler and lines but did not flush anything. It hasn't caused any problems for me at all. I also can't say it changed the service braking either.
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Old 05-21-2021, 09:35 AM   #8
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So, there is no label on the reservoir or info in your coach owner's manual?


Perhaps someone else with a 2006 has that information.
The 2005 and 2007 manuals state Valvoline Premium Blue. Presumably, 15-40. It would be equally important to know if a previous owner had changed to AW46 over the past ~15 years, as this has been a fairly common practice.
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Old 05-21-2021, 10:15 AM   #9
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Ok Guys, Thanks, My Coach came with no history at all. It has around 52k on it. I did the master cylinder update to smaller piston, flushed brake fluid with Dot 4. Last bleeder valve on left rear caliper broke off. So I replacing that caliper. Changed all fluids but the hydraulic system. I get paid to drive larger coaches and I really like my smaller Apline. I had a 2000 36FDSS. Loved it too. But love the power of this Coach. Feels like the 650 hp ones I drive just smaller. So I plan on draining tank, finding return line and removing it. Will flash till I see clean fluid. I have the 3 filters and new lid seal. Coach came from NY so it’s pretty rusty. Thanks for the help.
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Old 05-21-2021, 10:44 AM   #10
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As c_oneil mentioned, removing the lines from the oil cooler will allow you to remove more fluid from the system than pumping it out of the reservoir, which is another technique. Another step would be to remove the cooler, stand it on end to drain, and pour some fresh oil through. It will take the better part of 5 gallons to refill the system.
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Old 05-21-2021, 11:34 AM   #11
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FWIW, The label on the reservoir on my ‘05 says “fill with Dexron II only”.
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Old 05-21-2021, 11:38 AM   #12
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FWIW, The label on the reservoir on my ‘05 says “fill with Dexron II only”.

That should be red/pink.


Neither motor oil nor hydraulic oil are-- should be easy to tell if ATF.
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Old 05-21-2021, 11:43 AM   #13
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FWIW, The label on the reservoir on my ‘05 says “fill with Dexron II only”.
And the reservoir on my 2005 said 15-40.
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Old 05-21-2021, 12:22 PM   #14
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It had ATF in it when I got it and thats what I’ve used on subsequent changes. All seems fine.

I’m curious now so I’ll have to check my brothers ‘05.

I might be mistaken but I think the hydraboost uses the fluid from that reservoir also. Im guessing it doesn’t care what it uses.
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