[Archived]

It may be a leaking valve, but before you go and spend the money and go through the effort to cure the leak you really should give the components and fittings in the LH rear a good leak check.

Jumping hastily to conclusions costs money, wastes time and rarely solves the problem. By lifting the fender you can soap the fittings, air bags, and especially pay attention to the three port Norgren between the drive and tag air bags.

[Tim]

Jon. thank for you response, I have spent a lot of time finding and repairing leaks and every item that you have mentioined is good. It takes about 3 to 5 days to settle.

[Fred F.]

Obviously there is a leak, but if you bring that to Prevost you will find their standard for “leak free” when it comes to the leans is 3 days. I clearly understand why that is not acceptable.

[Steve]

the indivual ping tanks located in system with air bags after norgren valve have drain cocks that after time devolpe a slow leak.

[Kevin]

From experience and posts on the forum the rear suspensions start at the 5 port Norgren that is mounted on the bulkhead forward of the drive axle. From that point back, including the 5 port valve is likely where the leaks are going to be found. As Bob points out it can be the ping tanks which each air bag has, along with the air bags, or the fittings, or the three port Norgren between the tag and drive axles.

Some leaks are never going to be found with soapy water. For example if there is a leak at the bottom can of the air bag it is virtually impossible to get that leak to blow bubbles because you cannot see the leak area because it is blocked by the plastic “piston” the air bag rolls over.

A leak behind a ping tank strap is going to be a challenge to find.

An internal leak on either Norgren will also be difficult to identify.

Making the situation worse is the slow loss of air. If it takes 3 to 5 days to lean the actual leak rate is very small.

There is a slow, time consuming way to isolate leaks and it involves starting at the end, connecting a leak tester that shows bubbles of regulated air pressure (Hector’s Texas Bubble) or a sensitive pressure gauge that will show loss of pressure and keep moving upstream (or downstream) until the leak has been isolated.

In some cases an ultrasonic leak detector can find leaks, but never on rubber components such as an air bag. It might detect a leak in the bottom can, but not on the bellows.

Bottom line, there are two choices. With great patience isolate and leak test every component or section of the system, or depending on the age of the coach just say the heck with it, and replace everything.

[Dick]

Everything you want to know about your level low system is on the webinar pod cast at Prevost Car Site, including color diagrams. It helped me understand it better- lots of pictures.

Webinar 2013-03-21

Robert Hill

Training Manager

[Jerry]

Larry,

I have found, when chasing leaks and spraying soapy water, that soaping down the fittings will a lot of times, not show an immediate leak, especially on a slow leak like you have. Wait a few minutes, and come back later, you may then see leaks that you didn’t before.

[Archived]

Jerry is correct, I’ve had leaks show up numerous times after waiting a while when there were no leaks when spraying.

[Bryan]

Same here Jerry , 20 minutes and here comes a bubble.

The leaks drive you crazy and when you find one it’s “yes” time.