Community Forums

Rustygold · 12-25-2017, 08:14 PM

I want/need to change the hydraulic filter on my 2004 Monaco Dynasty My question is can I spin off the old filter without draining the reservoir or losing any ATF in the process. I don't see a shut off near the filter or anywhere in the line to the tank. My thought is that if the pump is not running to pull the ATF it shouldn't leak too much unless it's gravity fed to the filter and then pulled into the filter when the pump is on, then I guess I would need to drain the tank prior to the filter change.
Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks.
Dave

vito.a · 12-25-2017, 08:51 PM

No, the hydraulic fluid will run out. Mike Canter said you need a smooth vise grip to clamp off the hose from the tank. Even then you will loose some from the other direction.

I'm thinking I may just change the fluid at that time. My owners manual says the hydraulic system capacity is 50-55 quarts of Dexron III.

CountryB · 12-26-2017, 05:47 AM

I don't agree with Mike Canter's advice (maybe he was referring to a specific model-hose).

On my RV the hydraulic hoses have ss braiding internally (even the suction side) and trying to clamp them shut could permanently deform the hose. That then could restrict flow through it resulting in the need to replace the hose. IMO.

I plan to change my hyd filter to. But I'm just going to be prepared to swap it out quickly and be sure to have a couple large clean containers available in case I need to throw them under the filter.

Whoever does their filter change first, post back on the process.
Good luck

devildawg · 12-26-2017, 06:28 AM

I replaced my filter last year on my 2005 Monaco Dynasty with very little fluid lost. I took the old filter off and installed the new filter pre-filled with no issues.

bigjim8499 · 12-26-2017, 07:49 AM

It depends where yo filter is mounted. If it is below the tank the fluid will run out. If the filter is above the tank as mine is it will not run out. One size does not fit all, Monaco built them both ways.
Jim E
06 exec

devildawg · 12-26-2017, 07:53 AM

My 2005 is mounted on the DS above the fuel filter. Above the tank.

djhinds · 12-26-2017, 07:56 AM

On my 04 Sig. with a Detroit 60 the Hyd. filter is mounted low down below the Hyd. tank level IT WILL keep flowing till tank is empty with no shutoff. I have seen later coaches with the filter mounted above the tank level so not much oil will come out. When Mike Canter did his he just removed the filter and oil flowed out fast. He had to race around the shop and find 5 gallon buckets to swap out when full He said luckily he had some around. He said it would of been a nightmare if he didn't have some extra buckets available. I have seen posts where others have installed valves in line after the oil was drained for the next Hyd. oil change. Just be prepared....
When I did mine I used a pump to pull most the oil out the top of the tank before removing the filter. It worked very well....

Good luck
Dave

Twomed · 12-26-2017, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigjim8499

It depends where yo filter is mounted. If it is below the tank the fluid will run out. If the filter is above the tank as mine is it will not run out. One size does not fit all, Monaco built them both ways.
Jim E
06 exec

CORRECT ANSWER...seems like on "most" of the big engines they are mounted low...flows freely, big pan, new filter ready for a quick spin on. Still messy!

Smaller engines "usually" higher mounted and easy change, almost a no spill.

Seems like it was a space issue, and trying to fit everything in the rear cap area.

vito.a · 12-26-2017, 10:46 AM

When you guys change the hydraulic fluid, are you using Dexron III?
Where are you purchasing it?

RobRoy · 12-26-2017, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vito.a

When you guys change the hydraulic fluid, are you using Dexron III?

Where are you purchasing it?

I used Dexron lll (as called for on my coach)

Anything that calls for Dexron lll you can also use Dexron 3-4-5-6- it meets the spec. The only reason I say this is you can sometimes catch 3-4-5-6 on sale.

I had access to a warehouse distributor at the time.

Happy Trails

zmotorsports · 12-28-2017, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djhinds

On my 04 Sig. with a Detroit 60 the Hyd. filter is mounted low down below the Hyd. tank level IT WILL keep flowing till tank is empty with no shutoff. I have seen later coaches with the filter mounted above the tank level so not much oil will come out. When Mike Canter did his he just removed the filter and oil flowed out fast. He had to race around the shop and find 5 gallon buckets to swap out when full He said luckily he had some around. He said it would of been a nightmare if he didn't have some extra buckets available. I have seen posts where others have installed valves in line after the oil was drained for the next Hyd. oil change. Just be prepared....
When I did mine I used a pump to pull most the oil out the top of the tank before removing the filter. It worked very well....

Good luck
Dave

Agreed. If the filter is mounted lower than the tank it WILL drain and drain fast. I planned my filter change along with fluid replacement when we first purchased the coach. Upon draining the system I installed a ball valve in-line for future filter replacements without having to drain the entire system.

Works like a charm.

Mike.