HWH fluid reservoir cap broke off

Ahh, thanks for the schooling, Doug. Don't know why I thought it was a Power Gear system.

Jim@HiTek wrote:
No worries on not checking fluid level, Bill/Diana.

Oil doesn't evap, it can leak away though. And if enough leaks out, your 'Jacks Down' lamp won't go out when you retract. If your lamp is going out, no leak, and no need to check.

The OP and this thread is about HWH Jack systems. NO FLUID in the system and the jacks will retract and the down indicator WILL go off. HWH uses a magnetic switch on top of each jack. Doug

No worries on not checking fluid level, Bill/Diana.

Oil doesn't evap, it can leak away though. And if enough leaks out, your 'Jacks Down' lamp won't go out when you retract. If your lamp is going out, no leak, and no need to check.

This is an issue that has been on my TO DO list for some time. It has not been a high priority and I have delayed doing it because my cap broke the same way. In the next few weeks I'll being working on the motorhome TO DO list and will definitively work on removing the plug to check the fluid level. Shame on me for I have not checked the fluid level for at least 4 years and that is not like me. I was concerned if I messed with the cap I would cause some other problem.

Thanks to the OP for posting this thread and glad you solved the issue so easily.

Thank you, The irrigation extraction tool worked like a charm. It's now part of my must have tools.
the new cap is on order from HWH.

I'm guessing the entire cap didn't break off. There should be a hex nut under the cap for a wrench. It's been too long so so don't remember the exact size, but If memory serves right it should be about 1". I could never get the cap on our 2001 Adventurer off by hand. I always had to slip a wrench between the lower surface of the cap and use the hex.

I love this forum... thank you

Go to Lowes/Home Depot. Go to the lawn irrigation dept. Ask for a easy out plug wrench. They are less than $10. Once you see it and use it, you will wonder how you ever got along without it. Stuff a paper towel to block off the hole. The paper will allow it to vent and there is NO force that will blow fluid out of the reservoir cap area. Doug

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No first hand experience with a broken cap, but since no one else has chimed in, here goes:

You will need the cap to breath. Deploying the jacks moves a lot of hydraulic fluid out of the reservoir. That volume must be replaced by air. And, when stowing the jacks, the air must be allowed to escape as the fluid returns to the reservoir.

Depending on size, you can certainly find larger easy-outs. I know that for removing broken Atwood nylon drain plugs, residential sprinkler head removal tool works just fine. Determine size of what you need to remove and go to a box store/hardware store for "tool" that will work. Even if cross threaded, I suspect torque is low (can't imagine anyone using anything other than hand tight on that dipstick/breather).