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Jeepguy · 04-26-2008, 08:06 AM

My rig has a Kwikee Level Best leveling system. I recently filled the hydraulic fluid reservoir with hydraulic jack fluid from Napa auto parts. After filling, I notice a label on the reservoir that states automatic transmission fluid should be used. Am I in trouble? Can these fluids be mixed?

Jeepguy · 04-26-2008, 08:06 AM

My rig has a Kwikee Level Best leveling system. I recently filled the hydraulic fluid reservoir with hydraulic jack fluid from Napa auto parts. After filling, I notice a label on the reservoir that states automatic transmission fluid should be used. Am I in trouble? Can these fluids be mixed?

Easyrider · 04-26-2008, 02:38 PM

I just got my Kwikee operation guide out and it states "use transmission fluid only", we recommend "Dexron III , do not mix fluids". If the hydrolic fluid is the equivalent of Dexron III you will probably be ok, but the fluid you used probably isn't. I would call your dealer and/or Kwikee and ask someone who would know, considering that the fluid doesn't cost all that much I would still drain your reservoir and refill with the correct fluid, and if you haven't run the pump you shouldn't have to worry about anything. I think the effect of useing the wrong fluid would be more of a concern if you ran the pump a lot and the fluid had a long time to damage seals or the pump itself.

Jeepguy · 04-26-2008, 07:10 PM

Thanks for the response. I did run the pump to bleed the system so I suspect some of the hydraulic fluid I added is now in the lines. I'm wondering if it still makes sense to drain the reservoir and add the Dexron III. Definitely plan to contact Kwikee on Monday morning for advice. Anyway, thanks again and safe travels to you.

LVJ58 · 04-26-2008, 07:58 PM

jeepguy, do let us know what Kwikee has to say about the use of hydraulic fluid.

I really don't see why hydraulic fluid wouldn't be ok as the jacks are hydraulic.

Good luck, Jim

paz · 04-27-2008, 02:28 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LVJ58:
jeepguy, do let us know what Kwikee has to say about the use of hydraulic fluid.

I really don't see why hydraulic fluid wouldn't be ok as the jacks are hydraulic.

Good luck, Jim </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
It might be OK, but then again, most likely not since both Kwikee and HWH both warn against using hydraulic jack fliud. The problem arises with compatibility of the fluid with hoses, seals, and O-rings. For example, the Allison transmission in our motorhome was designed to use Dexron III transmission fluid. Newer Allisons come filled with Dexron VI. Dexron VI is not compatible with the internal seals in our 3-year old Allison transmission and will likely cause it to malfunction and ultimately fail.

LVJ58 · 04-27-2008, 07:40 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">The problem arises with compatibility of the fluid with hoses, seals, and O-rings. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good point paz, I thought of that also, perhaps Kwikee uses seals and hoses fabricated from a different material than those used in other industrial & farm hydraulic systems.

Jim