[Dorel]

Exactly where are you located at…. what state and city

What reading is showing on the air gauges on the dash… or have they gone to zero

[Gerald]

OK sounds like you are ok for the next 10 days while staying in the bus? Putting the coach to the road position is the coach air up?

[Will]

Carole and Will,

Jeff’s question is a critical one. If you can put the coach in the driving or road position and everything is OK it helps isolate the problem. I believe the operating logic on your leveling system causes the tag axle air bags to exhaust air when the aux system pressure drops below a certain pressure so that might explain the loss of air in the rear.

My initial gut feel is the Norgren valves might be a part of this problem, and if I am on the right track exercising them may be all that is needed for now. Is the air system dry, has it ever had moisture, and how often do you exercise the valves?

[Jimmy]

we are in Cheswick, PA just outside Pittsburgh. PA.

Pone air gauge says 75 the other says 120

we have 50 amps and water – I’ll need to call septic truck to come pump us when needed so we are ok for next 10 days I think.

[tom]

aux air with ignition on is 25. Main air is 125

yes we exercise bus but sometimes a month can go by.

Will did say Norgren valve might be problem.

[Archived]

Jon,

Not much time as I have to get to work. Where I know there is air leaking is from the four stack manifold of relays with the red buttons. The gauges in the lower electrical bay beneath the driver’s seat were at zero when I opened the door with the Aux Air compressor turned off. Started the Aux and as pressure began building the stack was loosing air. I felt behind it and air was escaping from top to bottom along the black manifold. I replaced on of those relays 4-5 years ago and no more problems until now. I purge the aux storage tank 3-4 times a year. No to very little moisture.

Exercise? That is a loaded question. Lately the norgrens or aux has gotten much exercise. Last time out was a week in Nashville this past April. When the bus is in storage the front is lowered but not to the bump stops. I was not aware the norgrens needed exercise. I am aware that I need exercise but that is a whole different matter.

The main tank is holding pressure. The aux tank is not. Of course being in a USGA secure facility I can’t order parts for delivery here. An option is our sign contractor’s office. All things considered this condition pales when compared to the pedestrian I almost hit yesterday. Another story for another time.

Thanks

[Archived]

You did not answer Jeff’s question regarding if the driving position of the level low system also has leaks.

The manifold is pressurized and only one solenoid valve passes air when the system is in the driving mode. When leveling the coach the top and bottom two solenoid valves may come into play. It is unlikely all 4 are leaking so the first step is to isolate the problem.

There are two O rings at the base of each solenoid valve. From your description one of those is leaking at one of the valves. But if you want to bypass the leaking manifold all that is required is to connect the air supply to the manifold directly to the air line outlet from the solenoid valve that controls the driving height. That gets you roadworthy, bypasses the leak, and allows your aux system to build pressure. All height control then is via the ride height valves. That way you don’t need parts until you are in a position to receive them or have time to work on the coach.

Or you can buy solenoid valves and swap them out. That’s a 5 or 10 minute job.

As to my comment about exercising the Norgren valves, I believe if they are not used often the internal spool can resist movement. With the exception of some electrically operated valves used by some converters, air pressure is applied to the valves to shift the spool. Then the spool returns either by air coming from the opposite direction or via a return spring. The valves are going to hang up if the system has had moisture and corrosion has resulted typically.

[Archived]

I just had a friend/mechanic replace all 4 valves this morning. Brought air pressure up to normal and was able to lower and raise bus. It does not leak while in drive position or any other position. I believe that has fixed the problem. Many heartfelt thanks to all for suggestions and direction.

We should be good to ride on into the sunset!

Carole

[Archived]

First, thanks for all the good advice. Working 12 – 14 hour days at the Open does not leave much time for trouble shooting air leaks. The first problem was the four stack of solenoid valves for the Level Low system. There was a second problem that I did not find until I reached home, safely too. I put the coach in the storage building and went to disconnect the house and chassis battery breakers. I detected a small hissing sound. Listened from a couple angles and found the leak. The air connection in the engine bay has a valve to release air pressure and an inlet to pump air in from a remote source, say a wrecker. Well the little pet cock was the source of the hissing. So I simply reached down and gave it a twist to close it tighter and the hiss has gone away. I’m thinking I should repalce the whole assembly since it is likely beyond its useful life.

We are home and that is what counts.