Add ATF

[Scheinin]

I need to add ATF fluid to my hydraulic reservoir in my 2015 36CKTS. No room to pour, tried using funnel attached to long tube, but 1/4 of quart stays in tube.

Any suggestions from those who have actually added this fluid in their Cedar Creek?

[httntheroad]

Originally Posted by Scheinin

I need to add ATF fluid to my hydraulic reservoir in my 2015 36CKTS. No room to pour, tried using funnel attached to long tube, but 1/4 of quart stays in tube.

Any suggestions from those who have actually added this fluid in their Cedar Creek?

Harbor freight has a hand transfer bulb style pump.works excellent.

[BandJCarm]

Originally Posted by Scheinin

I need to add ATF fluid to my hydraulic reservoir in my 2015 36CKTS. No room to pour, tried using funnel attached to long tube, but 1/4 of quart stays in tube.

Any suggestions from those who have actually added this fluid in their Cedar Creek?

Turkey baster.

[Jim34RL]

I have a hand transfer pump from Amsiol that I can use if needed.

[Scheinin]

Have any of you actually added ATF to your Cedar Creek? Bought transfer bulb, did not work. Turkey baster got more on me than in reservoir, plus I need to add 2 quarts, not practical.

Using a funnel attached to a tube, does work, but leaves too much in tube. I will buy more ATF and use tube, as I have no better way.

I am looking for one of those pumps you attach to your electric drill. That might work.

What I am really looking for is someone who actually added ATF to their Cedar Creek.

Thank you for your responses.

[BandJCarm]

Why would you need to add 2 quarts???????? If it is that low, you have a major leak.

[Fifth Wheelers]

Walmart has a plastic accordion type hose with a cap that screws onto the plastic bottle. Just stretch it out and tip the bottle. Think it was $2.00 to $3.00 for it. Works great.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Trans-And-Oil-Spout/16889149

[BandJCarm]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/12v-Engin...saAii6EALw_wcB

[Scheinin]

Originally Posted by BandJCarm

Why would you need to add 2 quarts???????? If it is that low, you have a major leak.

No leaks. Been full timing for 3 years now, that is hundreds of setting up and taking down. I notice on my way to Goshen this year for the FROG rally, my slide came out 2 inches while traveling. Jamie, at the rally, suggest I check my hydraulic fluid, which is the first time I checked it in 3 years. That is how I first knew it was low. Now, I am trying to add more, about 2 quarts I guess.

[BandJCarm]

No way it should ever need fluid unless there is a leak.

I spent years chasing slides 'falling out'. Turns out it was a leak in the reefer Slide and bedroom slide. Yes, you should keep an eye out on your reservoir, especially when all slides and jacks are retracted. But you should go 100 years without adding if there is no leak. It doesn't evaporate.

[racer4]

I had a hydraulic seal blow out (rear jack). Due to the leak I had to add two quarts.


I added it by reaching in through the front storage compartment. I poured from the bottle into the reservoir, with the bottle tilted toward it's longer side (the front or back). There wasn't much extra room, but it did fit.

[Ramblin Recks]

Originally Posted by Scheinin

I need to add ATF fluid to my hydraulic reservoir in my 2015 36CKTS. No room to pour, tried using funnel attached to long tube, but 1/4 of quart stays in tube.

Any suggestions from those who have actually added this fluid in their Cedar Creek?

I changed mine two months ago. Used a shaker siphon hose to drain the tank. Easy and no mess.
Filled it with this hand pump - Pennzoil Multi-Use Hand Pump, Model 36677
I used synthetic ATF based on Forrest Rivers recommendation that it would be easier on the Hyd pump during cold temps, plus added one qt of Fork Oil.
We have been full timing for three years also.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by BandJCarm

No way it should ever need fluid unless there is a leak ...... But you should go 100 years without adding if there is no leak. It doesn't evaporate.

X2.

I have a 2012 with hydraulic slides and level-up. While we don't full-time, we do use it a lot. Never any ATF added except during the replacement of a leaking cylinder.

If you have to add 2 quarts, there is a leak somewhere.

[dalford]

I assume all your slides are in and your level up rams are retracted?

[Scheinin]

Originally Posted by dalford

I assume all your slides are in and your level up rams are retracted?

Yes. And I have checked all connections and find no leaks. Maybe the fluid never was full from the dealer. I don't know, since I never checked it.

Since the fluid lubricates the jacks, don't you lose a little over time?

[dalford]

Originally Posted by Scheinin

Yes. And I have checked all connections and find no leaks. Maybe the fluid never was full from the dealer. I don't know, since I never checked it.

Since the fluid lubricates the jacks, don't you lose a little over time?

I don’t think the fluid lubricates the jack rams. I typically spray my rams with silicon to lubricate.

I’m just surprised that you have enough fluid to extend everything if you are 2 quarts low.

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by Scheinin

Yes. And I have checked all connections and find no leaks. Maybe the fluid never was full from the dealer. I don't know, since I never checked it.

Since the fluid lubricates the jacks, don't you lose a little over time?

Only if you have a leaking seal. The seals are designed so the pressure forces them to seal tighter. The seals in the jacks fit tight enough to keep the fluid contained in the system. If you have ever have to change the seals and o-rings in hydraulic cylinders it is best to leave to the professionals who have the right tools.

[BandJCarm]

Originally Posted by Scheinin

Yes. And I have checked all connections and find no leaks. Maybe the fluid never was full from the dealer. I don't know, since I never checked it.

Since the fluid lubricates the jacks, don't you lose a little over time?

The same fluid reservoir is used for both slides and jacks.

I had two leaks......and even Orvan Fry took a year to find the second one. He was pulling his hair out. It caused all kinds of problems. It took replacement of the pump and two rams to fix it. Accessing the rams is not something you can do, or at least I couldn't. You will most likely never see a small leak. But if you are low, especially 2 quarts, you have a leak. IT does NOT "use a little over time".

[Cypressloser]

A funnel and a length of Nylon hose is the easiest way to fill a reservoir that's out of reach.
Most leaks are internal and will not cause the loss of oil, if external it will get messy fast. Creeping is usually caused by internal leaks or air in the system due to low fluid levels or foaming caused by using the wrong oil.

[DKRITTER]

Just curious, with all of the rams in where is the full line on the tank?


I just went and looked and mine is at about 1/2 a tank with all six jacks down and the slides in. I don't really think I have ever paid attention to it since it has worked.