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Here we go again
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On my first bus I spent far too many hours attempting to isolate and fix leaks. Never again.
Now, being old, lazy, grumpy, and less patient I use a scorched earth method of fixing leaks. I just replace every valve, all push in fittings and anything else that might leak, including air bags every 10 years.
In between like everyone else I realize I am leaking again, but as long as the leaks are not catastrophic I accept them as inevitable and wait until the parts are 10 years old and start again. One thing I do now is only use Swagelok compression fittings because they are the only ones I have ever used that are leak free 1% of the time
Clint & Tammy Summers
2000 XL 45 Country Coach (rivets)
1977 FC31 Bluebird Wanderlodge (more rivets)
Vonore TN -
Chuck, here’s my diagram with IGN ON. Note it shows the in-active control air connection between the top and bottom norgren (Level Low norgrens) – which is technically there during the IGN OFF configuration as well.
HOWEVER – the inflating balloon in your picture illustrates a situation that I would not have expected. The inflating balloon is on the exhaust port of the bottom Level Low norgren which would indicate to me that the top norgren has an internal leak as it should not be passing air across the connection to the bottom norgren (which agrees with your thinking above). And since the bottom norgren’s ‘normal’ connection is to it’s exhaust port in the IGN OFF configuration – you’re seeing the balloon inflate.
I chose to not show that in-active control air connection between those two level low norgrens in a IGN OFF configuration because the 5-port norgrens for drive axle are in a neutral configuration and thus no possible way to connect to the level low norgrens if operating correctly. What I think you’ve illustrated is when they don’t operate correctly (e.g., leak internally) then all bets are off. Which also in a way supports Jon’s scorched earth approach.
2000 Featherlite H3-45
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Leesburg, FL -
I own large building leased to Soldier a express they have 2 sets of jacks to pick up complete Bus they alow me to use one of them the building is warm I can’t find any leak back stays up months
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Clint:
Looking at your drawing and the factory drawing I attached to the first post shows the top Norgren passing through the lower one with the key off. Hence I am ASSUMING (and we all know what that means-lol) the top Norgren is leaking past the seal. Read in another post that most of the time an air leak in cold weather is a seal and a leak in hot weather is a connection. That reads true in this scenario, it leaks more on cold days.
I am not using the bus for awhile so I will leave the balloon on a see if it grows.Chuck
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When we 1st bought bus 8 years ago it leaned to right side driving the compressor cycled every few minutes could see it in Aux gauge, 100 to 120 psi over and over, So replaced all new bags – norgren valves- level valves- governor – air dryer and a few more things, At this point driving all gauges did not move, Parked there was no movement, after a week the aux gauge would be down 10 lbs FINE! In the winter I noticed more leak down, I chased leaks that I could not find, I drove myself nuts, Last couple of years I said driving down the road Aux gauge does not go down unless I brake so compressor is not cycling FINE! Parked in winter it looses some air so I’ve learned to live with it I did a few years ago install some isolation valves in steer compartment Air horn- foot well slide-air seat and got rid of red handled knob in rear for belt air bags because it leaked so bad and a new valve was $250, If I need to deflate bags I shut off 1/4 inch ball valve I installed and push schrader valve,works just fine, There is a check by regulator I replaced so belts never get loose.
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Hi Jon,
Do you know what the current cost might be to replace air bags , valves and fittings etc.?
We had Hoffman Coach do ours +-10 years ago.
Thank you,
Chris
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Chris, no idea of cost. I was never influenced by cost but from experience I used age as a deciding factor.
My whole pneumatic system is based solely on 10 years, and not whether it leaks or doesn’t. I know that is wasteful, but it leaves me in total control, and almost assures no on-road surprises.
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Thank you Jon.
That’s why we did it last time per your advice and we fortunately haven’t had any major troubles except one airbag that Prevost Nashville spotted on a DMI.
We’ll just start the process of getting it scheduled.
Thanks again Jon and have a good weekend,
Chris
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Thank you Jon.
That’s why we did it last time per your advice and we fortunately haven’t had any major troubles except one airbag that Prevost Nashville spotted on a DMI.
We’ll just start the process of getting it scheduled.
Thanks again Jon and have a good weekend,
Chris
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Hello, where is your aux check valve at on your coach. We have a 99 H. Featherlite conversion. My aux air is only building to 60 psi. Started suddenly. Replacing a pitcock on the small tank passenger side front to start.
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