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dmastroluca · 11-15-2022, 02:52 PM

Welp, we had a rear inside blowout that slapped the case of my RVA leveler pump. The dent in the case caused the fluid to leak out. Progressive insurance paid for the replacement tire and pump. I was going to swap it out myself, but this is a really dirty/greasy job due to all the hydraulic fluid seeping everywhere from the leaking pump case. Progressive sent me a check for the pump and installation, so I figured, why get all greasy? I never thought I would have so much trouble finding an (available) qualified RV mechanic here in Vegas. Lots of calls are not being returned. I decided to put my overalls and gloves on and get greasy again and tackle it myself since it is just a straightforward replacement project. Has anyone in the group done this type of project? Just looking for tips and possible pitfalls. I usually take lots of pictures, label everything, and keep everything as clean as possible.

jacwjames · 11-15-2022, 04:59 PM

i thought I was going to pull mine earlier this year, I started to see hydraulic drips underneath it.

So I took some of the purple cleaner and sprayed it down good, let it sit, and then used a spay bottle with water to wash if off. Did this several cycles and got it all pretty clean.

After checking all the fittings for tightness I monitored it and no more leaks so I didn't pull.

But looking at it mine wouldn't have been too bad to pull. Mine is pretty easily accessible mounted near the front steps and with the generator slide out plenty of room to work. From looking at it I would have removed the 3 hydraulic lines, making sure to mark them. The label the wiring and take all of it loose. Probably the hardest part would have been supporting it while trying to remove. My plan of attach was to use a floor jack, put some pressure on it and remove the mounting bolts. Depending on how stable I might have made a cradle to fit on the floor jack to stabilize it.

dmastroluca · 11-17-2022, 12:56 PM

I have used the floor jack trick many times over the years. I use a small sandbag as a jig. What purple stuff did you use to degrease? I was going to use the foaming engine cleaner and a power washer hooked to my home water heater.

jacwjames · 11-17-2022, 01:15 PM

I bought a gallon jug of the purple cleaner from Lowes, can't remember the brand, there were several to choose from.

Degreaser and pressure washer with hot water would definately work better. I didn't want to make a big mess in my garage, put a big tub underneath to catch most of the mess.

Silly question, is you jack reservoir leaking?? Does the pump work.

dmastroluca · 11-18-2022, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacwjames

Silly question, is you jack reservoir leaking?? Does the pump work.

Yes, after the blowout, it was leaking at a rate of about a drip per second. It worked fine (except for the low fluid alarm) until all of the fluid leaked out some 24-48 hrs later. We had just started a 3-week trip (of course). Luckily, we only moved campsites 3 times in 3 weeks. I was afraid of introducing air into the system, so every time, I would refill the case with fluid to extend the jacks. Once I leveled our coach it stayed level. I placed a bucket with kitty litter under the unit to catch all the fluid. When I would retract the jacks, it would partially refill the reservoir to keep any air out. The alarm would sound, and then I would refill and be on our way sans alarm. I went through a gallon of tranny fluid, but the trip was not delayed except for about ½ a day to find and install 4 new rear tires. The sidewall of the outboard tire got damaged from the stress of supporting the whole MH rear while driving off the freeway. Since this was our first blowout, we felt safer replacing all the rear rubber. I'm just glad it wasn't a steer blowout.

411jeff · 12-01-2022, 04:04 PM

Hi - Where did you find the parts and part numbers? I have a reservoir that I know needs replacing. But I might need the pump too. I just posted about my problem.
Thanks Jeff

jacwjames · 12-01-2022, 04:19 PM

Here's the website
https://www.rvajack.com/RVA-Hydrauli...lic-Pump-Parts

153stars · 12-01-2022, 06:17 PM

Some older pump's steel tank were just cantilevered off the pump with no support . You can find several threads where tank cracked at weld before pump flange. Many owners that repaired it added a support for the tank after.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 411jeff

Hi - Where did you find the parts and part numbers? I have a reservoir that I know needs replacing. But I might need the pump too. I just posted about my problem.
Thanks Jeff

dmastroluca · 12-02-2022, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 411jeff

Hi - Where did you find the parts and part numbers? I have a reservoir that I know needs replacing. But I might need the pump too. I just posted about my problem.
Thanks Jeff

Check out https://www.rvajack.com/RVA-Hydrauli...lic-Pump-Parts. When I partially degreased the bottom of the pump, I saw some white paint and when I cleaned off the layers of grease and road grime, it was the model number. I just ordered the 32M JII series replacement. Luckily, my insurance adjuster quoted the MSRP price, not the sale price.