on my 2002 intrigue the label on the hydraulic tank for the power steering/fan says use dextron II
But how much do I need to buy to change the fluid?
Also, the label says to change the filters every 6000 miles. That sounds a bit excessive!
Help!
I agree, 6000 miles is a little too much. I'm going to settle on 10,000 mile filter change and send in oil samples to Blackstone Labs to check for any contamination or deterioration of the oil.
To drain the hydraulic tank on my 2002 Magna, I used an inexpensive rotary oil pump with 1/2" hoses powered by an electric drill.
Before removing the reservoir cover, I thoroughly cleaned the area of dirt/debris, then carefully removed the cover. Push the suction hose down along side the filters to the very bottom of the hydraulic tank and then pump out the fluid. After the tank is empty you can replace the filters. I used WIX# 57317 filters instead of the Nelson or Fleetguard. The I added 3 gallons of Valvoline Max Life Multi Vehicle Dexron 6/Mercon LV that I got at Autozone and re-installed the cover. After running the engine and circulating the new oil, I needed another 1/2 gallon to top it off according to the dipstick on top of the cover. So I added a total of 3.5 gallons. This quantity might vary depending upon how much oil drains back to the tank from the pump, steering box, hoses and the fan motors. Just get it close and then top it off according to the dipstick.
It seems obvious, but be careful not to get any dirt/debris into the hydraulic system. Also, keep in mind your coach might have a different size reservoir then my Magna. You could measure the quantity of oil you remove, then add back approximately the same amount.
Thanks!
I just talked to Brad at OMC in Junction City. He also said that the 6000 mile sticker was excessive. He said that most owners change between 5 - 10 years!
I am also going to look for some sort of drain plug. Seems strange that the Dynomax chassis would have a system with no drain plug. Maybe have to disconnect a hose?
Also Dexron II is no longer available. I am buying Dexron VI, which is synthetic.
I will look, but...
Does anyone know where the DRAIN is for the hydraulic system?
On my 02 Magna there is unfortunately no drain plug. It’s confounding why they didn’t install one? There is a large hose with a flare fitting that could be loosened, but doing so looks like it might create a mess as oil would spill around the flare fitting as it was being loosened and removed. That’s why I decided that using a small rotary pump powered by a hand drill would be less mess and simpler to do. As I described in my post above, I drained the oil into a 5 gallon bucket. The little pump took about 3 minutes to drain the reservoir completely. Very easy and no mess. I did have to straighten out the 1//2” vinyl tubing before I used it to suck out the oil from the reservoir. It was stored/packaged all wrapped up in a small coil and it wouldn’t easily straighten out. So I zip tied it to a 3” section of 1/2” all thread and left it in the sun for a couple hours to straighten it out. That way, when I put it into the oil reservoir, it easily went to the very bottom of the tank without “curling” back up.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.
I may be mistaken, but when I was under my coach for other reasons a few months ago I noticed a label under (or near) the radiator that said it was hydraulic oil drain. Also, my manual says the system holds 16 quarts. I had my fluid and filters changed last fall during the annual service by a truck shop. I believe they over filled it some because I was wiping down an oily mist from the hydraulic reservoir for a couple of trips before it stopped. The manual does say that the fluid will expand and be careful not to over fill.
My rig is a 2007 Allure 470 #31571
Repaired the Hydraulic cooler (drained the cooler and reservoir) about 6 gallons. Replaced the 3 filters in reservoir.
2001 Magna #6022