What type hydraulic fluid??

[rogerlamb]

I am new to my 2007 Monaco Diplomat 40 SKQ. While preparing for a month trip I see that my power steering fluid is low. Before I buy any fluid can someone tell me what specifically to buy? The manual says to use 15-40W engine oil. Is that correct? Is it the same oil that is used for the engine??
Newbie

[wolfe10]

Have you looked on the reservoir itself for a label?


There is not a universally used fluid. Some systems are designed for motor oil, some for ATF and some for hydraulic fluid. I would NOT mix them.


You may also get a hint from pulling the dipstick to see if you can identify the fluid.


And, with the system being sealed, if level is low, find the leak.

[CountryB]

Originally Posted by rogerlamb

The manual says to use 15-40W engine oil. Is that correct? Is it the same oil that is used for the engine??
Newbie

I suggest you double check your Owners Manual. It would be very unusual to use engine oil in a hydraulic system. Engine oil does not handle the high pressures as well.

Most commonly used is Hydraulic Oil and Transmission fluid (i.e. Dexron III which is basically a hydraulic oil with red dye and some detergent in it).

Dexron and Hyd Oil can be used interchangeably in your power steering/hyd reservoir.

[wolfe10]

Originally Posted by CountryB

I suggest you double check your Owners Manual. It would be very unusual to use engine oil in a hydraulic system.

Well, Delo 400 15-40 is exactly what our first DP used. No issues in 170,000 miles with two filter changes it that time.


Again, suggest you VERIFY what is in your system and continue with it. Find the leak and if the filter(s) have not been changed in the last couple of years, to that as well.

[Lowflyer1]

The 2007 Diplomat Owner's Manual is very confusing. It's saying the factory fill is 15W-40 but to add, only use Dexron III.
The owners manuals for 2006 & 2008 are the same: Filled with 15W-40, if adding, use only Dexron III.

2004 & 2005 Diplomat just had Dexron III.

I wonder what was going on with Monaco those days.

[okcnewbie]

Originally Posted by rogerlamb

I am new to my 2007 Monaco Diplomat 40 SKQ. While preparing for a month trip I see that my power steering fluid is low. Before I buy any fluid can someone tell me what specifically to buy? The manual says to use 15-40W engine oil. Is that correct? Is it the same oil that is used for the engine??
Newbie

This won't help with this problem but lots of good info. I actually had the jiffy splice problem that's mentioned.


Diplomat Mods

[153stars]

Its been discussed that that any of the three could be used. It should be easy to tell 15-40w from AW-46, ATF by color and feel.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by Lowflyer1

I wonder what was going on with Monaco those days.

The manual writers and coach builders weren't on the same page!

Like already suggested, get a small sample on a paper towel and check the color.
Red will be ATF, yellow AW-46 HYD fluid, golden brown engine oil.

[jdw1]

I would try to take a sample of what’s in there, check the color and consistency, you should be able to tell if it’s motor oil or hydraulic fluid, jmo.

[fredinbaja]

If I have a 1996 monaco dynasty witha 300 cummins and I have Dextron 3 ..should i drain old fluid and add new to large canister? its been in there forever.

[fredinbaja]

If I have a 1996 monaco dynasty witha 300 cummins and I have Dextron 3 ..should i drain old fluid and add new to large canister? its been in there forever.

[96 Wideglide]

Yes, and you'll find 3 filters in there stacked on top of each other that will need to be replaced.

[fredinbaja]

Thanks, is there a best place to buy ? And what type or number are they ?

[CountryB]

Originally Posted by 153stars

Its been discussed that that any of the three could be used. It should be easy to tell 15-40w from AW-46, ATF by color and feel.

By feel? Really?
You're saying you can tell the difference, blindfolded, with a drop or two of each oil type on your finger tips ...