Help--Leak in hydraulic fluid tank--slide out mechanism

Hey guys,

I just plugged in the Cat to get ready for a 2 week trip in about 10 days--dewinterize, clean, etc. and the slide out wouldn't go all the way. The motor sounded like it was trying too hard and the slidout was moving slowly so I stopped and took a look:

The hydraulic fluid tank was almost empty and there was fluid/oil all over the battery case and the storage area up front.

Can I take off the tank and replace a seal? Is that the place to start? What fluid should I buy to replace?

Thanks for your help!

Deanna

Use ATF (automatic transmission fluid); Dexron or Mercon will work fine. I would add fluid and then figure out where the leak is (unless you are absolutely sure it is the tank). I've never tried taking the tank off, but it should be possible. Finding the proper seal may be a problem.

Libbert Manual

My 2005 29RLBS did the same thing. I called my dealer and told him what had happened. They called Lipper and they said they would replace the pumptank combo. It was two years ago and it was no charge to me at that time. That oem pumptank combo on a lot of trailers had problems. they replace ours with an updated version.
Replace the oil with DEXRON III ATF,
Lipper Manual

Thank you guys. I certainly didn't expect to get a copy of the manual! But was very happy to see it. There is a troubleshooting guide in the manual for a leaking cylinder, so I will first get the ATF and go from there.

Related question--my coach battery is dead (getting new one tomorrow), but I did plug in the 120V, about 10 minutes prior to trying the slide. Even with a dead battery, should the slideout have worked? At the time I stopped trying to move the slide, it seemed like there was no power to the mechanism.

Thanks again!

Deanna,

Use kitty litter to soak up the hydraulic oil in your front compartment. Either that or a good grade of absorbent from the auto parts store.

On the other Wildcat forum there was a post regarding leaks in the Lippert hydraulic resevoir/pump combo. The post related that the pump and resevoir are considered one unit and can't be taken apart to be repaired, but have to be replaced (hence Frank's post).

I agree that you should begin by refilling the resevoir to see where the leak is occuring. Maybe there is a hole in the resevoir that can be plugged, or a hydraulic line has come loose and can be refitted.

BTW, brake fluid is hydraulic fluid, just a special purpose sub-group. Brake fluid is designed to have a low freezing point, high boiling point and is made to absorb water. Other hydraulic fluids don't have this combination of attributes, but all of them, including brake fluid have one purpose ..... that is to move something by force under pressure. Doesn't matter whether it's the little cylinders that move our slides or the giant cylinders that move the bucket on a front end loader, or the small cylinders that move our brakes. All are moved through the force of hydraulic fluid under pressure.

As to mixing fluids, I'd do it in an emergency, but in the normal course of events, I'd get regular hydraulic fluid/oil at the auto parts store.

JMHO .....

We had the same problem on our cat had it checked and the service tech advised to replace the entire combo unit as well. He advised as well that the unit is basically one complete package. Agree with the other posts about looking for the leak as it may be something loose.

I would wash everything down below the pump with a good soap like Dawn or a mild degreaser and rinse it good with plenty of water. Some hydraulic fluids can react with metal or fiberglass and stain or corrode it.

Good luck

The plan was to get the ATF today but the auto parts store was closed. So no news on that front yet.

However, my battery is not dead. All the 12V stuff works. So the hydraulic pump problem is not partly due to the battery.

Will update when there is news. Thanks for your help!

http://www.wildcatcamperforum.com/maintenance-repairs-trouble-shooting-service-warranty-f12/hydraulic-leak-t1888.htm?highlight=hydraulic

Here is a link to same topic from last year.

Had same thing happen last year. Talked to Lippert, and my 04 was just out of warranty by 5 months (imagine that, I miss a 5 year warranty by 5 months). The tech I talked to said it was a very easy fix and it was. Remove the 4 bolts holding the reservoir on, remove reservoir, clean / dry all components, put a healthy dose of Hi-Temp Permatex all around the o-ring and end of reservoir that goes in the pump, let it dry for 2 hours, then put back together. He also recommended bracing the unsupported end of the reservoir with a piece of styrofoam, which I did.

As far as the pump not having any power, try resetting your breaker which is right next to / behind your pump. It will probably have a little button popped out on the side, just press it again.

Wow! Thanks for sharing this information. Will tackle this project tomorrow.

What is Hi-Temp Permatex and where can I get it? Auto parts store?

I'm hopeful this will solve the problem. I looked online for a replacement pump (just in case...) and they were pricey. PLUS...I need to be ready to go in just a few days, and wasn't relishing the thought of having to take the Cat to a tech for repair.

Thanks again...will let you all know how it goes...(You guys are the greatest...I wish you all were my neighbors!)

Deanna

Yes, any auto parts store will have it. Actually, we are kinda neighbors, where in MO are you?