2004 Montana slides stuck in extended postition

[parkandplay]

Hi, I'll try to condense all the info I have. Winterized everything, got ready to put slides in and nothing moves. Can hear the motor running both in extend and retract mode. We have one switch that operates all three slides. Here is what we have been recommended to try and and have:
dealership told us to rapidly switch the extend retract switch several times-they had to do this before on a FW.
Online info on the hydraulic pump told us there is a manual override at the end of the pump that is operated with a 1/4 hex on a drill and when run counter clockwise it will manually bring in the slides---didn't work. Nothing moves. Tank has appropriate level of hydraulic fluid in it. No apparent leaks.
Can anyone who has experienced this help????
Thanks so much!!

[bncinwv]

We had a similar event occur but ours was with the slides in and they would not go out. We had to have the hydraulic pump replaced. I hope this is not what is wrong, but it sure sounds like the same.
Bingo

[parkandplay]

At this point I would not mind having the pump replaced....I just want to get the slides closed to get it to the dealer!! Could you still hear the pump running when this happened to you?

[bncinwv]

Actually, the electric motor and the hydraulic motor had both died and both had to be replaced. At least that is what the dealer said. I don't remember hearing the electric motor running and did try the manual method with the drill (it did not work).
Bingo

[parkandplay]

Ok, thanks! We are 1/2 hour from the nearest RV repair and hubby is not a handyman so I'm not sure how we will get this handled yet!!

[bncinwv]

I assume the rig is not under warranty. It will help with future questions and postings if you can add your rig to your signature line in the profile area located on the top menu of each forum page. The dealer should be able to give you some ideas for testing the rig. As a suggestion, if your rig is equipped with selector knobs at the hydraulic pump assembly (usually located in the battery compartment of most rigs), you may want to try de-selecting all but one slide and see if it can then be manually retracted. If you can get one to work, then you may have a shot with the others using the same isolation procedure on the hydraulic system. Just a thought. Keep us posted.
Bingo

[jpkelpe]

could it possibly be that the shear bolt broke. Paul isn't here to ask, but I am thinking it could be (it can be dangerous when I think.)

[parkandplay]

Bingo--thanks, tried that to no avail.
Paul--I thought the shear bolt problem was only with electric slides, not hydraulic....???

[Carl n Susan]

While there are shear bolts in hydraulic systems, it is extremely unlikely two (or more - the OP has never stated what type of Montana they have) failed at the same time. Even if a shear fails I seem to recall the slide gets crooked.

If the motor runs as described by the OP and it reverses direction depending on which side of the switch is depressed, one has to believe the problem lies in the pump or further outboard. The 1/4" drive at the end of the pump forces the pump to spin. I don't know if counter-clockwise is the proper direction for retraction, but should have caused the slides to retract or extend slightly (with a noticeable load on the pump motor). Lacking the OP noticing any of these signs re-enforces the problem is in the pump or further out.

Since the OP hasn't observed hydraulic fluid leaking anywhere, or that the level in the reservoir is dropping the longer the motor runs, one has to assume the hydraulic lines are intact. As there are two or more cylinders, one or more would still extend/retract even if one had failed internally. So that only leaves the impeller in the pump. I conclude it has failed and is not providing any pressure. Of course I would have it tested before plunking down $$ for a new one.

The only concern I have is this type of failure is very rare. I don't recall hearing anyone with a failed impeller before. Motors fail, lines break, and seals leak, but impellers - not so much.

Getting the slides in without a pump is a challenge. Overcoming the internal hydraulic pressure in the slide cylinders is the problem. Perhaps disconnecting the hydraulic lines would work? I don't really know. Even if the pressure can be overcome and slides retracted, how do you keep them that way as you drive to the repair shop?

Sounds like time to call a mobile repair company and let them take a look at the problem.

[Tom S.]

Each slide has shear bolts, and it is highly unlikely all three broke. Since you can hear the motor running, I'm pretty sure the problem is the hydraulic pump, or the connection from the motor to the pump. As Carl stated, you might get the slide back in by loosening the hydraulic lines and manually pushing the slides in, but that might take a lot of effort.

[sreigle]

And, as Carl said, when a slide shear bolt breaks, the slide moves on one side but not the other. Been there. Since all slides are affected I have to agree with those who think it is the pump or lockout distributor. Something common to all slides.

I wonder if it's possible some contamination got in the tank and is blocking flow of the fluid.

Or, if you have the lockout distributor on top of the pump, try reversing each knob, in case they somehow got turned.

[parkandplay]

The closest RV repair place to us is 30 miles away and once they can make time, they are going to get here to take a look but they are also very busy right now with winterizing RVs...
Hope they can make it before the snow flies!!
Steve....tried reversing the knobs...no luck.

[bigmurf]

There is a keyway on the motor shaft that has been known to break.