Dear Members,
I have been a member for sometime and have used all your great posts and have never replied. I have owned Hi-lo since 1991 and presently own 1998 Classic 26R. I had the cylinder rebuild because the seals were shot. A few months ago the battery died and I learned you need a fully charged operational battery to raise the top.
The last issue was losing fluid from some corrosion on the hydraulic metal lines somewhere in the underneath. The line was covered in fluid and you could see pitting. I removed the line and had a shop build the new line form rubber ratted 5500 psi, Hi-lo needs 2,200 psi and pump is rated about 3,500. The rubber line is easier to maneuver back in place. The fittings on the new hose were male fitting which were turned directly into the cylinder and the pump. Because of the cables near the cylinder intake, you need to start the fitting on one side of the cables and finish on the other. You also need to use the pink teflon thick tape to seal the fittings. The pump fitting was a breeze. The 3/8" inch hose is wider than the original metal pipes so more fuid is pump into the cylinder and the top raises and lowers a bit faster.
While I was down there I had the chance to clean the guide bar and lubricate it which is the only item requiring some maintenance, not much because since 1978 it had never been done.
When you recharge the fluid use the Automatic Transmission fluid noted above. As you put in fluid to raise the unit you may put in more but you need to push the top above the safety bar to be able to lower. The new hose and fittings cost about $80 bucks, the same hydraulic shop can rebuild the cylinder for $150, no need to spend $400 to $500 on a new cylinder. The motor to the pump is a standard auto starter motor easily replaced.
Thanks to Hi-lo for taking generic and available systems into their wonderful creations and to all the members especially the senior members for taking the time and sharing their knowledge.
Being in South Florida I am preparing for the Cat 4 Dorian expected to hit by Monday.
Fred
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