[Steve]

Our leak detection specialist (Hector) will agree that a fairly high precentage of leaks will be found in fittings, and especially push in fittings. The permanent solution is to replace those fittings with the equivalent compression fitting. A lot of us just stock a variety of compression fittings for just such purpose.

[Ace]

DKO,

Sometimes you can cut off a piece of the hose, maybe1/2 inch and then re-connect and it may seal. If not, I would just go to a brass fitting and throw away that push/pull fitting. Those fittings are bad to leak, I had them on my air bags and replaced them with DOT fittings.

[Archived]

DKO,

I certainly agree with Tom’s response. The “push to fit” fittings can be problematic after it is installed for a while. The Prevost part of my coach does have these fittings, however, their are a few used throughout the converter part of the coach. My suggestion is, if the opportunity exists to replace the fitting with a DOT compression fitting, do it. This will be a permanent repair.

95% of the air leaks I have found have been in fittings. The Prevost provided components are very robust. Now, I have found a few issues with converter supplied components.

My ISRI seat was a challenge to stop air leaks. It seems I could get it air tight, then within a few usages, it would leak again. I have had my ISRI seat out a few times dealing with leaks. The solution for me was to install a NC, 12 volt air solenoid that de-energizes when the key is turned off. I only need the suspension seat in service when driving, so it worked fine. When the key is on, all works as expected, when the key is off, no more pesky leaks. I coupled the step slide and the ISRI seat into this modification. After tightening up my coach, the aux air compressor will run once every few weeks. That is good enough the girls I go with.

Don’t miss out on the suspension session that will be offered Feb 8. See the post “How Does Your Prevost Suspension System Work”.

Good Luck,

Hector

[Archived]

Thanks Guys. It’s fixed. A local trucking company had their mobile guy down the street and he replaced it in about 5 minutes. He replaced it with the push type because that is what he had on the truck. He taught me some things along the way that will be valuable in the future I am sure.

I should have been more clear, Hector, that by under the seat I meant in the compartment outside under the seat. I haven’t noticed any leaks in the actual seat… yet.

I won’t be able to view the presentation Wednesday night. I am in church next week every night in Claremore, Oklahoma. Sure wish I could join you because I certainly have a lot to learn.

DKO

[glen]

I found another interesting spot for an air leak….. not suspension, but brakes.

Turns out my parking brake actuator was leaking. I would notice tah on occasion, my brake air pressure would drop over the peroid of sveral days. Sometimes slightly, other time more substantially, never enough to fail the brake test so I kind of put that project in my “one-of-these-days” list.

So, as I’m preparing to head to Myrtle Beach, I found that under just the right conditions I could hear a distinctive air leak…. from that parking brake valve.

Luckily, on my bus, getting to the valve was pretty easy. Prevost had the part in stock, although I’m sure that it is probably an easy find at most truck parts stores.

Hunting down air leaks apparently never really ends completely…

[Archived]

I think the correct phrase Paul is “work in progress.”
It just never ends, but at least you get to know your bus up close
and personal.

My aux will bleed off to zero in about 24 hrs and I have checked
every fitting, component and norgren that is accessible. There isn’t
any compartment or panel that I haven’t removed looking for leaks.
Then a few days ago I had the bus out running and when I put it back
in the barn, the aux held up for 3 days and I still had 30 lbs. Woo
Hoo, I’m happy!

One day I’ll get to Livingston, TX and the ole bubble tight guy, Hector, will help me with his magic.

[Georges]

My coach has always held air pretty well since we got it, but this winter I noticed it seemed to bleed down quickly on the brake side. I spent some time looking and had no luck until this past week.

I found that my Air Force One brake system’s pressure protection valve was leaking around the seam where the two halfs are joined. I called SMI on Friday and they are sending me a new improved valve as a warranty replacement.

Once I get it, I think my brake air will stay up much better. My aux still is pretty good, but there is some work to do there as it does leak down over time. Hector’s idea of the nc valve for the seat and step slide interests me as I know that the step cylinder leaks a bit and I suspect the seat does as well, but I have not been able to find that one.

Air leaks are a pain!

[Archived]

Got the new valve from SMI for the AF1 yesterday and installed it last night. Brake system is still holding at 120 as of 10AM ! It used to leak down to nothing before the swap.

Great service from SMI and a very easy swap. They even sent a new nipple in case the old one was bad. New valve is slightly smaller and from a different vendor. Guess they switched due to issues with the one they used to supply.

Now, on the the aux air side. It isn’t bad, but I want to tighten that side up too.