-
I Want To Build A “Texas Bubbler”
I would
like to build an air system leak detector like the long ago mentioned
“Texas Bubbler”. I did a search for the “Texas Bubbler” and
“Hector Duplichen” but still haven’t found enough information on
the parts and pieces to build one.I found
the article “How does the Prevost Suspension Work” but the link
to the presentation seems to be broken.I don’t
want to “reinvent the wheel” if I don’t have to.Any
ideas on where else to look?
Thanks.
-
9 Replies
-
Tim,
I had the pleasure of meeting Hector at ETLC a few months
ago. He had told me that the program was outdated for current operating
systems. He said that he had plans to reformat it but he was not sure when he
would be able to get it done. Hector was
able to show me the model in action on his laptop. It’s an amazing tool for us
“visual learners” to wrap our heads around the Prevost pneumatic system. Thanks
to Hector and Jon (and anyone else who contributed) for putting this learning
tool together. I hope to be able to have access to it also at some point.I would not hesitate
to call Hector about the bubbler. He is patient and helpful as well as a good
teacher. I am sure he would love to help you with your bubbler project. Jeff -
Before building a bubbler and using it to isolate a single pesky leak that defiies identity by soapy water, a stethoscope or an ultrasonic leak detector it is first important to be able to isolate the specific system or series of components suspected of leakage.
When you have reached the point of using the bubbler which is a great tool you have exhausted all the easy ways to identify leaks. The use of the bubbler requires the specific system to be methodically opened and pressurized using the bubbler and then tracing the system, opening every connection and again pressurizing using the bubbler working down the air flow path until you reach the point where the leak stops. You need to know which system is the problem and you need to know its path through the coach. You need a lot of patience.
One preliminary step might be to run all systems through a manifold block, and have every individual system set up with a shut off valve and identified so you can isolate each system or component. As the coaches range from older coaches to newer ones, the number and complexity of the air systems increases to the point where you end up chasing your tail if you do not know the air flow path or have not been able to isolate each system. So far I have 21 identified and isolated for the house and the bus and I still have more to identify and isolate.
-
Jon: How many valves have YOU installed on your current coach to isolate air systems? I presume you’re using the quarter turn ball valves.
-
So far I have more than 21. I would have to count them. Right now I think the only remaining part of the pneumatic system I have not traced and installed a manifold and shut off valve(s) is the system for the two slides. So there will be more when I am done.
-
Tim, send me your email. I have both the document that describes the leak deterctor and shows how to make one, I also have the PDF that visually shows the air system in action. Very useful tool…
-
Email sent. Thanks for the help.
Jeff and Lindsay
91 Marathon XL -
Charles: Could you post that material? Of have the Admins post it?
-
We don’t usually hesitate to post articles or links. If they are in the public domain I have no problem with making them available through this site especially if they are relevent to our coaches.
But Hector and I worked together to do suspension demonstrations and discussions and he worked especially hard to create his bubbler design and the power point program relating to the suspension system. I am not aware of Hector ever putting either in the public domain. I believe he retained control of them. I have no problems adding links or posting or adding them to the articles section as long as Hector either approves it or says it is OK. He put a lot of hours into both and at the very least he needs to have his efforts acknowledged.
Just my opinion. I did not pass this by Tom.
-
We need to get Hectors oakie dokie on this.
Log in to reply.