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Old 12-10-2019, 07:04 PM   #1
Richcart
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Hydraulic system stopping while operating

We've haven't had any problems with the hydraulics until this fall. We were camped in VA and the temperature was dropping into the low 30's and 20's. When we were packing up to leave the slides were sluggish and stopped 4 times while retracting them. We would lose power in the coach and then it would come back in a few seconds. We got them retracted and the same for the level up system; stop and go. I checked the fluid level and it was low. It was clear liquid so I added a quart of brake fluid; it was that low. It still does it but now only once or twice while pulling in the sides, but the power goes out and then comes back on. The fluid is just below the full mark on the tank. Any ideas? We bought our Monty used in September 2018 and have been full time since May with no problems until now. Any ideas?
 
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Old 12-10-2019, 07:26 PM   #2
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Sounds like you need to upgrade your breaker to the hydraulic pump to 80 amp. Search the forum - you will find several threads on it.

I don't know if brake fluid will cause a problem with your system but the preferred fluid is ATF.
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Old 12-10-2019, 08:32 PM   #3
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As soon as possible, you need to flush the hydraulic system to get rid of the brake fluid in it. The seals are not compatible with brake fluid. This is the link to fluid recommendations from Lippert. https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws...cd_0002088.pdf And this is how to flush the system. https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws...cd_0002077.pdf

When you have taken care of the fluid, you will find that replacing the small breaker that serves both the hydraulic pump and the 12 volt power inside the trailer with a 80 amp breaker such as this one. https://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-CB18...6034779&sr=8-8
This thread will help you determine which breaker to replace, http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...13573#poststop and once done, you should have no issues with the system stopping and starting. And you should maintain the hydraulic level in the reservoir to about a 1/2" from the fill hole in the reservoir, with all the slides in and all jacks fully retracted.
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Old 12-11-2019, 03:19 AM   #4
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Old 12-11-2019, 04:54 PM   #5
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I agree with rohrmann
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Old 12-11-2019, 06:00 PM   #6
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Like rohrman says. Get that brake fluid out of the system. Brake fluid will destroy your seals.
Also the circuit breaker change will make a difference.
Personally, I have not upgraded the breaker. I just stay hooked to shore power until I have brought the slides in, hooked up, brought the levelers and landing gear up and am ready to drive away. Never had your issue.
Just my two cents.
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Old 12-13-2019, 08:52 PM   #7
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Thank you for the information. I will get right on flushing the fluid and adding the proper kind. Thanks again.
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Old 12-14-2019, 07:30 AM   #8
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In your case the proper fluid would have been AW32 hydraulic fluid... it’s imperative you drain that reservoir tank and flush the hydraulic lines ASAP to hopefully prevent a really big problem that the brake fluid is going to cause
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Old 12-14-2019, 11:49 AM   #9
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Long time ago, I once added brake fluid to my power steering in my car. The power steering seals failed. Ended up changing the whole system . NOT CHEAP!!!
Flush your system as soon as you can. Refill it with either transmission fluid OR hydraulic fluid (since you're starting from scratch, double check the LCI app manuals). Made sure you add the anti-sticktion fluid. Download the LCI app. It has all that info and manuals, troubleshooting instructions, bulletins etc. very useful!!
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Old 12-18-2019, 01:47 PM   #10
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Ditto on the 80 amp auto resetting breaker. Lippert put out a technical bulletin on it.

PS: Rohrman, you are the best!
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Old 12-18-2019, 02:39 PM   #11
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Low fluid

I had the same problem and the dealer said low hydraulic fluiid(2 quarts). They filled and seamed to be working. I'll find out in the spring but we will see. I can believe it might be the breaker than the fluid
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Old 12-18-2019, 03:20 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DonJo View Post
I had the same problem and the dealer said low hydraulic fluiid(2 quarts). They filled and seamed to be working. I'll find out in the spring but we will see. I can believe it might be the breaker than the fluid
If yours took 2 quarts, you have a major leak, so I doubt they would have functioned last time you used them. Other possibility is that dealer had a boat payment due.
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Old 12-18-2019, 03:28 PM   #13
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No leaks the fluid would have showed up somewhere.
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Old 12-18-2019, 10:44 PM   #14
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GET THAT BRAKE FLUID OUT ASAP !!! Years ago I was an auto mechanic and it was common practice that if a customer had a power steering seal leaking and didn't have the money to repair it we could add a small amount of brake fluid and it would swell the seal and seal the leak. That brake fluid is swelling all your seals continually and will cause them to fail. You are looking at a BIG repair bill if it remains in the hydraulic system, if not already.
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Old 12-19-2019, 09:14 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Richcart View Post
We've haven't had any problems with the hydraulics until this fall. We were camped in VA and the temperature was dropping into the low 30's and 20's. When we were packing up to leave the slides were sluggish and stopped 4 times while retracting them. We would lose power in the coach and then it would come back in a few seconds. We got them retracted and the same for the level up system; stop and go. I checked the fluid level and it was low. It was clear liquid so I added a quart of brake fluid; it was that low. It still does it but now only once or twice while pulling in the sides, but the power goes out and then comes back on. The fluid is just below the full mark on the tank. Any ideas? We bought our Monty used in September 2018 and have been full time since May with no problems until now. Any ideas?
Brake fluid is not compatible with hydraulic fluid or the seals in your jacks and power pack. If you don’t flush your system you will be in for some serious expense. The system should have either Aw32 or ATF fluid. My rig came from the factory with AW32.
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Old 12-19-2019, 10:26 PM   #16
Biker bill
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Do you need 80 amp breaker if you leave 5er plugged in while using slides and jacks?
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Old 12-20-2019, 12:58 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by Richcart View Post
Thank you for the information. I will get right on flushing the fluid and adding the proper kind. Thanks again.
I use universal tractor fluid for the hydraulics in my rig. It is available at any farm and garden store, Tractor Supply, Central Tractor, Agway. But most of all, give brake fluid flushed ASAP, I have worked on hydraulic system for decades in all applications and brake fluid will swell the seals and cause them to blow out. Brake fluid is a emergency fix if you get in a jam wear, a seal starts leaking and you want to swell seal to run hydraulic rams a couple more time to close up and get home. Remember that leaking brake fluid eats paint. Good Luck.
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Old 12-20-2019, 05:33 PM   #18
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]We've haven't had any problems with the hydraulics until this fall. We were camped in VA and the temperature was dropping into the low 30's and 20's. When we were packing up to leave the slides were sluggish and stopped 4 times while retracting them. We would lose power in the coach and then it would come back in a few seconds. We got them retracted and the same for the level up system; stop and go. I checked the fluid level and it was low. It was clear liquid so I added a quart of brake fluid; it was that low. It still does it but now only once or twice while pulling in the sides, but the power goes out and then comes back on. The fluid is just below the full mark on the tank. Any ideas? We bought our Monty used in September 2018 and have been full time since May with no problems until now. Any ideas?[/QUOTE]
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Old 12-20-2019, 05:39 PM   #19
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Believe it or not, the problem you are describing is normal when it's cold outside. The best thing to do is check all of your hydraulic jacks to make sure they are up. Do this every time, regardless of the temperature, it is a good practice. I have had three Montana's with the hydraulic jacks, all of them have performed the same in cold weather.
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Old 05-06-2020, 02:14 PM   #20
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On the Lippert sheet referenced I don't see the AW-32 listed. Is the AW-32 an acceptable fluid to top off the system with or stick with the ATF fluids ilsted? Thanks





Quote:
Originally Posted by rohrmann View Post
As soon as possible, you need to flush the hydraulic system to get rid of the brake fluid in it. The seals are not compatible with brake fluid. This is the link to fluid recommendations from Lippert. https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws...cd_0002088.pdf And this is how to flush the system. https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws...cd_0002077.pdf

When you have taken care of the fluid, you will find that replacing the small breaker that serves both the hydraulic pump and the 12 volt power inside the trailer with a 80 amp breaker such as this one. https://www.amazon.com/Bussmann-CB18...6034779&sr=8-8
This thread will help you determine which breaker to replace, https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...13573#poststop and once done, you should have no issues with the system stopping and starting. And you should maintain the hydraulic level in the reservoir to about a 1/2" from the fill hole in the reservoir, with all the slides in and all jacks fully retracted.
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