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Old 05-05-2015, 11:18 AM   #1
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HWI Jacks Are Getting Stubborn!!

It is my understanding the the HWI Jack System is a closed system - no way to add oil to these hydroponic jacks.

Reason for my question: Ours are getting slow to descend. We have to manipulate our coach HWI jack levers (inside out coach) several times for the fluid to activate the jacks in the downward direction. These jacks and our coach is from 1999.

Suggestions - thoughts?
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Old 05-05-2015, 11:26 AM   #2
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Springs could be getting weak, but before you replace them, with jacks fully extended, wash clean and then liberally wipe them down with transmission fluid, it worked for me ,hope it helps!
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Old 05-05-2015, 11:29 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by dav-cle View Post
Springs could be getting weak, but before you replace them, with jacks fully extended, wash clean and then liberally wipe them down with transmission fluid, it worked for me ,hope it helps!
Oooops sorry read your post again and it says descend, but may still help !
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Old 05-05-2015, 11:50 AM   #4
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The HWH system is not a closed system. Somewhere on your coach there is a reservoir for hydraulic fluid.It will have a cap that can be removed to add fluid.
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Old 05-05-2015, 11:51 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Just For Fun View Post
It is my understanding the the HWI Jack System is a closed system - no way to add oil to these hydroponic jacks.

Reason for my question: Ours are getting slow to descend. We have to manipulate our coach HWI jack levers (inside out coach) several times for the fluid to activate the jacks in the downward direction. These jacks and our coach is from 1999.

Suggestions - thoughts?
Well,
I have to shake my head on this one. Usually, "Descend" means going DOWN. "Ascend" means going UP. So, are yours having issues when you're making them go down, to level the coach or, bring them back up, in getting ready to leave camp???

Second, I'm assuming when you say "HWI" you mean HWH, correct??

Third, isn't the word "Hydroponic" normally associated with GARDENING and, not leveling jacks on motor homes? I'm also assuming you mean HYDRAULIC.

Now, if your coaches jacks are having a hard time going DOWN, as in sending them down to level the coach, then is your HYRAULIC pump pumping at full speed? Are your batteries up to snuff?

IF, your jacks are having a hard time ASCENDING, or, going up, in prep for departure from home or a campsite, then it could be a common problem of weak springs. It's happened to a few thousand HWH equipped coaches out there. There's a couple of answers. One, there's newer version of the return springs you can purchase that are stronger.

Two, many on here have actually sprayed the jack rams with either WD-40 (supposedly not recommended by HWH) or, wiped them down with ATF and then wipe them clean and, have reported that the jacks now go up considerably faster then previously.

Third, in some cases, there's retrofit seal kits that are new and improved versions that allow the rams to move more freely and therefore, pose less restriction on them, allowing for the springs to retract the jacks more easily. Hope this helps some.
Scott
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Old 05-05-2015, 07:52 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Just For Fun View Post
It is my understanding the the HWI Jack System is a closed system - no way to add oil to these hydroponic jacks.

Reason for my question: Ours are getting slow to descend. We have to manipulate our coach HWI jack levers (inside out coach) several times for the fluid to activate the jacks in the downward direction. These jacks and our coach is from 1999.

Suggestions - thoughts?
I had a similar issue with my 2000 Pace Arrow. I used a silicone spray when th jacks were exended then ran them up.....brought them down.....resprayed. I did this three or four times. It helped. I chose silicone over an oil based lube so road dust didn't ceate unwanted problems.
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Old 05-05-2015, 08:25 PM   #7
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HWH recommends WD-40 as a cleaner/lube on the jack cylinders.
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Old 05-05-2015, 08:40 PM   #8
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HWH recommends WD-40 as a cleaner/lube on the jack cylinders.
Yeah, that recommendation has been changed a couple of times. They used to NOT recommend it but, if it's recommended now, then, I guess they've decided it's OK for their systems and seals. Good to know.
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Old 05-06-2015, 06:10 AM   #9
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I've been using WD40 on ours for 5yrs. and it works great. The trick is to extend the pistons, then spray them, then wipe them down really good to get it all off. If you don't clean them off good, the WD40 will work like a dirt magnet.
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Old 05-09-2015, 09:42 PM   #10
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My lubricant of choice is Break Free CLP. Teflon based, and doesn't attract water, dust like WD 40
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Old 05-09-2015, 10:36 PM   #11
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Several of you might want to re read the original posters statement. He said he has trouble getting his jacks to descend. I am very sure if something that is pushed down by pressure will not go down that no amount of cleaning on the shaft with anything is going to help

There have been a couple of posts on here that is good advice. Check the fluid level the HWH system will have a reservoir somewhere The OP says he has to work with the handles to get his jacks to go down. There might be a problem with the electrical connections on the controller or with the solenoids not opening up correctly. But I would say to check his fluid first that is the easiest and cheapest thing to check.
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Old 05-10-2015, 11:34 AM   #12
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just for fun, the slow extend might be caused by a low battery. try runnig the jacks down with the engine running. it takes 105 amps to start the motor turning fast enough to generate 3200 lbs.
the pump will function down to about 10.5 volts, but it works like you described.
the place you add fluid is on top of the reservoir. download a service manual from the hwh web site. it will help with the diagnosis. i work for hwh, and i can help.
please feel free to call me at 602-549-3638 paul maddox
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Old 05-10-2015, 05:19 PM   #13
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get a life
this is sent to fire up
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Old 05-10-2015, 11:25 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by azpete View Post
just for fun, the slow extend might be caused by a low battery. try runnig the jacks down with the engine running. it takes 105 amps to start the motor turning fast enough to generate 3200 lbs.
the pump will function down to about 10.5 volts, but it works like you described.
the place you add fluid is on top of the reservoir. download a service manual from the hwh web site. it will help with the diagnosis. i work for hwh, and i can help.
please feel free to call me at 602-549-3638 paul maddox
Thanks all for your input.

"azpete" I'll be giving you a call this week. Thanks.
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