Southwind 36R Right Rear Jack slowly retracts - just sitting!

[GunnerAZ]

2003 Southwind 36R - If I leave my rig jacks (Power Gear hydraulic, 500456 controller) down for a couple weeks the right rear jack slowly retracts all the way. The jack is the single external spring model. The system works normally (up/down/lift) under power. I do not see any leaks or other issues. Any help is appreciated.

[Olyteddy]

The jacks are single action hydraulic cylinders. IOW they extend by hydraulic pressure but retract by returning the fluid through the pump. You probably have a bad valve on your pump that allows the fluid to leak back into the reservoir.

[GunnerAZ]

Originally Posted by Olyteddy

The jacks are single action hydraulic cylinders. IOW they extend by hydraulic pressure but retract by returning the fluid through the pump. You probably have a bad valve on your pump that allows the fluid to leak back into the reservoir.

Thanks, I was thinking the same. Any chance a weak solenoid could be the issue?

[Olyteddy]

Originally Posted by GunnerAZ

Thanks, I was thinking the same. Any chance a weak solenoid could be the issue?

Could be but the solenoid pulls the valve open. Something obstructing the return of the solenoid maybe. Mine is "conveniently" located behind the passenger front wheel well. They do have a pretty good manual though:
https://support.lci1.com/documents/l...00535-82-l0051

[GunnerAZ]

Originally Posted by Olyteddy

Could be but the solenoid pulls the valve open. Something obstructing the return of the solenoid maybe. Mine is "conveniently" located behind the passenger front wheel well. They do have a pretty good manual though:
https://support.lci1.com/documents/l...00535-82-l0051

Thanks for the explanation on how the solenoid actually works, I have had trouble finding that info. Thanks for the manual - fortunately I have found the Lippert support page, and it has a lot of great info.

Lippert had the solenoid, 10 days to get after order. The Power Gear Solenoid part number 500099 is now Lippert Part; "lippert solenoid coil valve rep #359432" ( $370 BUCKS), $600 at La Mesa here in Tucson. I hope to get and install it next week - more to follow!

[alank]

I may be late with this post, but in the center of the solenoid is an opening that you can manually open the valve to release the valve and let the oil back into the tank. This is for emergency purposes in case a solenoid fails and you need to get the jack up to travel.
That valve may be slightly loose and leaking oil. They are either an allen screw or flat screwdriver screw. Memory thinks you turn it clockwise to open valve and counter clockwise to close valve. I would try that before buying a new one.

[GunnerAZ]

Originally Posted by alank

I may be late with this post, but in the center of the solenoid is an opening that you can manually open the valve to release the valve and let the oil back into the tank. This is for emergency purposes in case a solenoid fails and you need to get the jack up to travel.
That valve may be slightly loose and leaking oil. They are either an allen screw or flat screwdriver screw. Memory thinks you turn it clockwise to open valve and counter clockwise to close valve. I would try that before buying a new one.

Thanks, but I do not believe the 2003 valves have the release you mention (See the photo) unless they are under the cap on the end?

(top is to the left in the picture - I couldn't figure out how to rotate the image 90 right)