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Compressed Air System Failure for Microphor Toilet
I wanted to talk about a
failure that I corrected yesterday.
Hopefully this may help others, but also give me a better understanding
of the mechanism that caused the failure.
My 1998 Royale has a Microphor
toilet operated by a Jun-Air compressor.
I had noticed recently that my toilet water level was varying. The flush mechanism then failed to operate properly. I found the 2 small Norgren air filters between the air compressor and the toilet,
were clogged with “garbage”, which significantly reduced air flow to the toilet. The “garbage” looks like moist green and
gray gravel. I think it is corroded
aluminum or die-cast zinc, and oil mist. The filter housing interior shows deterioration,
but there was also an accumulation at the filter intake.
I should have taken photos
to describe the severity.
The air compressor and
filters are located above the Aquahot.
I wondered whether diesel fumes may have contributed to the air system corrosion.
Any idea that might help
prevent the problem for those with this system?Ed Roelle
Grand Blanc, MI
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5 Replies
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Ed,
My Royale has a similar setup, but my pump is a Gist with one filter. I have some blackish looking stuff in my sediment bowl as well, but when I drain the condensation, the water is clear. Haven’t taked it apart yet, but I suspect it may be mold or junk from the compressor.
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Ed,
This is strictly a shot in the dark so don’t take it too seriously.
The enemy of any air system is moisture. I am not completely unfamiliar whith how Royale set up the air system in your coach such as if it has its own dedicated air, or if it is part of the coach aux air, but regardless of where the compressed air comes from, it has to be dry.
In trouble shooting coaches I have seen Norgren valves “frozen” because corrosion had been present in the air system, the aluminum housing had a paste internally that had eventual slowed and then stopped all movement of the plunger and then the spool itself. Our coaches suffer greatly if the air system is not purged of moisture routinely and if the air dryer element is not replaced regularly. The one area most conversion owners overlook is compressed air coming from auxiliary air compressors. My coach (and yours presumably) has a moisture trap and filter, but few owners ever know they are there, much less service them as part of air system maintenance. I bleed my air tanks every 5000 miles and change my air dryer element every 2 years and about once or twice a year I bleed or drain the moisture traps for the aux air compressor. So far so good. I would start on your coach to look for evidence of moisture elsewhere. If you can stop it before it becomes pervasive it eliminates a whole lot of future costs and grief.
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“The one area most conversion owners overlook is compressed air coming from auxiliary air compressors. My coach (and yours presumably) has a moisture trap and filter, but few owners ever know they are there, much less service them as part of air system maintenance. I bleed my air tanks every 5000 miles and change my air dryer element every 2 years and about once or twice a year I bleed or drain the moisture traps for the aux air compressor. So far so good. I would start on your coach to look for evidence of moisture elsewhere”.
Jon, could you please point out where the “air dryer element” and the “moisture trap and filter” are located and how to replace them? Pictures would be much appreciated! I have a 98 Liberty 40′ XL.
Thank you for all you do on this site and POG!
Fred
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Fred,
My air system has a Wabco air dryer with a spin on filter on the frame on the passenger side ahead of the drive axle. I have five air tanks, three in the area around the rear axles and two over the steer axle which need draining.
In the front steer compartment I have two moisture traps with a petcock on the bottom and one small silver bowl that needs to be drained. All are fed from the aux compressor. One in the center is in line with the pressure regulator, the other two are on the rear bulkhead in that compartment.
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One of the things I love about owning a Prevost is that I will always be a student! Thanks for the info Jon.
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